ICE TRAGEDIES

Northern Advocate, 5 February 1926, Page 6

ICE TRAGEDIES

SAD TRIPLE FATALITY. A drowning tragedy of the most poignant character occurred at Kirkpatrick, Durham, a village about eight miles from Castle Douglas. As the result of a youthful adventure on a thin ice surface, three young lads (two being brothers), the sons of local farmers, were submerged and drowned within sight of a large number of horrified and helpless spectators. The victims were:— John Davidson, aged 15, son of Thomas James Davidson, farmer, Blackhall, Kirkpatrick, Durham. William Murray, aged 13, and John Murray, aged 10, sons of John Murray, farmer, Upper Minnydow. The sad affair occurred about three o’clock in the afternoon. The three boys, along with several other associates, were enjoying themselves sliding on Lochpatrick Loch, which is close to the village. More adventuresome than their playfellows, the deceased lads ignored a caution as to the unsafe condition of the ice, and went about 20 yards from the edge. Without any warning the ice gave way and they disappeared. Frantic efforts were made by the onlookers to lend assistance, but owing to the fragile condition of the ice, which was only about a quarter of an inch thick, all attempts to roach the unfortunate boys were unavailing. It was i not until a boat was brought from' a loch about a mile away and a passage broken through the ice that the bodies were recovered from about 15 feet of water.