As could be reasonably expected, the way-too-thin ice broke and the child fell into the ice cold water. The parent also went into the water in an unsuccessful attempt to save their child.
Fortunately for everyone, Kelvin Ikhide, a long-time HCA resident, software entrepreneur, and photographer, was out on his Block 3 rear patio and heard shouts for help. While his wife Genell Parker called 911, Kelvin raced down to the pond, and heroically pulled both the child and parent from the frigid water using the foam life preserver installed there by the 2017 HCA Board of Directors as an addition to the Stream Restoration project.
Other HCA residents heard shouts for help and arrived to assist, including recent Block 1 resident Max Goodman with a blanket to warm the child, and Block 2 resident and 2010-19 HCA Director Michael Poss with a 20 ft. long pole to reach out onto the ice if needed.
Multiple Fairfax County Fire and EMS vehicles and first responders also arrived on North Shore Drive to treat the child and parent after they were back on snowy land, and to take them to a medical care facility if necessary, despite an attempt by the parent to leave the area beforehand with the child. HCA residents insisted that the child and parent remain there until they were treated and talked with first responders.
Bottom line:
1. Kelvin Ikhide is a genuine local hero who put his own life in danger to save others from harm. He deserves community recognition for his selfless act.
2. 2017 Board of Directors' foresight paid off. The life preserver they installed helped save at least two lives today. But according to Kelvin, it needs a long rope to pull victims back to shore. The current HCA Board should provide such a rope immediately to, if needed, help save others in the future.