A TERRIBLE TRAGEDY

Heroic young man uses his dying breath to save dog who fell into icy pond during friends' hunting trip

 

By Alyssa Guzman 

 

Daily Mail

Jan 29, 2026

 

 

Luke Kitterman, 23, of New Memphis, and his dog Bourbon were hunting with friends in Clinton County, Illinois on Monday when his pooch fell through the ice while attempting to get a downed bird around 3pm

 

A heroic young man was found dead after disappearing beneath the ice while desperately trying to save his beloved dog. 

Luke Kitterman, 23, of New Memphis, and his dog, Bourbon, were hunting with friends in Clinton County, Illinois on Monday when his pooch fell through the ice while attempting to get a drowned bird around 3pm. 

Kitterman immediately leapt onto the ice to save his dog, belly-crawling across to pull the animal out, but fell into the water himself, witness reports said, per WTSP. 

Shocked bystanders saw the dog fall back into the water. Kitterman was once again able to get his beloved pet out, but he quickly disappeared under the icy water and never resurfaced. 

The 23-year-old's friend attempted to reach Kitterman, but couldn't safely cross the ice, said Peyton Matthews, who works for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Conservation Police.

'They were able to pull the dog out of the water and into a canoe, just unfortunately lost sight of their friend,' he told the outlet.

Emergency crews responded immediately and a dive team spent hours in the freezing water searching for Kitterman. Eventually, the rescue mission switched to a recovery and was paused around 9pm.

The recovery mission picked back up on Tuesday, and crews had to drill a hole through the three-inch ice to allow divers into the pond. 

 

Kitterman was able to pull the dog out of the water twice, before sinking beneath the surface. His body was discovered by dive teams the next day 

His body was found in the pond on Tuesday 

 

Kitterman's friends also returned to the scene on Tuesday to be there while crews worked.  

Hours later, his body was recovered. 

Kitterman was an avid outdoorsman and being in nature was his favorite place, his family said in his obituary. 

He loved fishing, hunting, and was a conservationist and member of Ducks Unlimited.  

'He took great care to ensure that the forests, rivers, and lakes would be protected for future hunters and fishermen to enjoy,' the obituary read. 'Luke also loved boating, and hanging out, and drinking beer with family and friends. 

'Even though his life was cut short, Luke lived life to the fullest and will be missed by all those who had the pleasure of knowing and loving him.' 

He leaves behind his parents and a brother, among other relatives.