5 Christians who died trying to save the lives of others
Tennessee boy died trying to rescue sister from icy pond
In February 2021, 10-year-old Benjamin Luckett died after diving into an icy pond to save his 6-year-old sister, according to Interim Pastor Stacy Stilgenbauer of Leawood East Baptist Church.
As The Commercial Appeal reported on Feb. 16, 2021, Luckett and his siblings were playing outside when his younger sister, Abigail Luckett, slipped and fell into an icy pond.
"At least three of the kids were down near the pond. My understanding is Abigail fell in, and Benjamin jumped in to go after her," said Stilgenbauer, who has known the family for almost a decade.
Another sibling went to fetch their parents, and Luckett's father managed to remove Abigail Luckett from the water, but he could not reach his son in time. The boy's mother, Christine Luckett, called 911.
The Millington Fire Department launched a rescue boat, and two firefighters in dry suits entered the freezing water to retrieve the boy's body. Deputies from the Shelby County Sheriff's Department were also present at the scene.
Both children were transported to Le Bonheur Children's Hospital in critical condition, where the boy was pronounced dead.
"We are experiencing very cold temperatures and heavy snow, which is considered rare for this part of the Mid-South," Brent Perkins, Shelby County Fire Department public information officer, said. "This pond had begun to freeze on its surface, and as far as we know, that was what attracted them to go out onto the sheet, likely out of curiosity."
Samantha Kamman is a reporter for The Christian Post. She can be reached at: [email protected]. Follower her on Twitter: @Samantha_Kamman