2 men drown while trying to rescue dog in icy Northern California lake

2 men drown trying to rescue dog in N. Calif. lake

MCARTHUR, Calif. — Authorities say two brothers drowned after falling into icy waters while attempting to rescue a dog that fell into a Northern California lake.

The coroner’s office identified the men Monday as 38-year-old Noel Smith of Burney and 32-year-old Nathan Smith of Citrus Heights.

Authorities say the men ended up in the water Saturday evening after their dog fell through the ice at Big Lake in Shasta County. One of the men was submerged for about 20 minutes and the other for about 50 minutes. Rescuers pulled them out but were unable to revive them.

A third man in their group also went into the water, but managed to swim back to shore. He’s being treated for severe hypothermia.

The dog survived.

Information from: Record Searchlight, redding.com