Tragedy struck in Carmel, Maine, as the town manager, Kevin Howell, lost his life after falling through the ice of Etna Pond while out on a morning walk with his four-year-old son. The incident occurred early on Friday morning, less than half a mile from their home. Howell managed to save his son, instructing him to run back to their house and inform his mother of the situation. The brave young boy did as he was told, and his mother immediately called 911 before rushing to the pond with an anchor and rope to assist her husband.

However, disaster struck again as the wife also fell through the ice while attempting to secure the rope to the shore. It was at this critical moment that Penobscot Sheriff Detective Jordan Norton, who had heard the 911 call, arrived at the scene. Determined to save the woman, Detective Norton courageously crawled across the treacherous ice, gripping the rope for support, and successfully pulled her to safety. Meanwhile, the search for Howell was underway, with members of the Maine Warden Service, the Carmel Fire Department, and the State Police joining in the efforts.

Despite their best attempts, Howell remained missing. Two divers from the Maine Warden Service eventually discovered his body just before 2pm, approximately seven hours after the tragic incident occurred. The recovery process took around 20 minutes, highlighting the challenging conditions the divers faced. The news of Howell's death sent shockwaves through the community, as he was not only the town manager but also a respected figure in Carmel.

Howell had been serving as the town manager since 2015 and was highly regarded for his dedication and commitment to his role. He had received numerous accolades, including the town Leadership award in 2020. His sudden passing left a deep void in the community, with many town employees changing their Facebook profile pictures to honor him and show their support for his grieving family.

In addition to his role as town manager, Howell was also a member of Maine's second EMS Blue Ribbon Commission, where he played a crucial role in the development of a regional EMS system. Maine EMS expressed their condolences, praising Howell's support and kindness towards his community and colleagues.

Etna Pond, where the tragic incident occurred, is a popular spot for ice fishing and skating, covering approximately 361 acres with a depth of 12 feet. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by frozen bodies of water, even in seemingly safe conditions.

As the community mourns the loss of Kevin Howell, they remember him as a visionary leader, a devoted family man, and a beloved member of the community. His legacy will live on through the positive impact he made on the town of Carmel and the lasting memories he leaves behind.