FARGO, NORTH DAKOTA – On Monday, March 2, around 2:35 p.m., the Fargo Fire Department and Fargo Police Department were dispatched to the Red River near the Main Avenue bridge for a water rescue. Initial reports from witnesses stated an adult male was seen walking on the ice before falling through into the river.
Upon arrival, emergency crews immediately began search and rescue operations. At approximately 3:38 p.m., crews located the individual and removed him from the river. The male, identified as a 39-year-old Fargo resident, was transported to a local medical facility where he was later pronounced deceased. The individual’s name will not be released until after next of kin has been notified.
The Fargo Fire Department and Fargo Police Department remind residents that as temperatures rise, river ice continues to weaken and deteriorate. It is also important to understand that river ice differs from lake ice. Because rivers have a constant current beneath the surface, the ice is often thinner, less stable and far more dangerous.
The Fargo Fire Department and Fargo Police Department were assisted on scene by the Moorhead Fire Department, Moorhead Police Department, Cass County Sheriff’s Office and Sanford Ambulance.
This is an ongoing investigation. No additional information is available at this time.