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By Washington County Sheriff's Department
On Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at approximately 4:39 p.m., the Washington County Sheriff’s Department received a 911 call regarding a man, Jasper Combs, 76, of Crothersville, Indiana, who had fallen through the ice on Elk Creek Lake and was still in the water.
Sergeant Hein and Deputies Goode and Ater arrived on the scene along with members of the Gibson Township Volunteer Fire Department.
Upon arrival, responders were informed that a second man, Bernard Ray Broadus, 66, of Georgetown, Indiana, had also fallen through the ice while attempting to rescue Combs. Broadus was able to pull himself out of the water and walk back to his vehicle. He was evaluated by members of the Washington County Ambulance Service and then transported to the University of Louisville Hospital by Air Methods medical transport.
Members of the fire department, along with Sergeant Hein and Deputy Goode, made their way on foot around the lake to reach Combs. Gibson Township First Responder Andrew Mull was able to approach him and throw a rope. First Responder Mull and Sergeant Hein then pulled Combs out of the ice and assisted him to shore.
Members of the Gibson Township Fire Department, Salem Fire Department, Scottsburg Fire Department, and Austin Fire Department carried Combs around the lake back to the boat ramp. He was evaluated by the Washington County Ambulance Service and transported to the University of Louisville Hospital by Air Methods medical transport.