Massachusetts couple drowns trying to rescue dog from lake

A Massachusetts couple boating on a pond drowned Monday trying to rescue their dog, The Associated Press reported. 

Authorities said Daniel Cyr, 64, and his wife, Patricia, 61, were on their pontoon boat at Hampton Ponds State Park when their female terrier dog ended up in the water around 6:25 p.m. 

The Westfield News reported that Daniel Cyr jumped in after the dog and became distressed, prompting Patricia to go in after him and she then ran into trouble herself. Boaters in the area heard screams and came to assist the couple.

Witnesses said a boat pulled Patricia out of the water while a jet skier pulled Daniel to the surface so a second boater could take him to shore.

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Attempts to resuscitate the two victims were under way when paramedics arrived.

The victims were taken to different hospitals, where each was pronounced dead. 

The dog was found unharmed and taken by an animal control officer to an animal municipal shelter, according to the paper.

Sgt. Raymond Manos of the Westfield police told the Boston Globe that the park is a popular recreation area and has many boaters this time of year. Westfield is in southwest Massachusetts near Springfield.

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The drownings are being investigated by the state police and other agencies. 

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