WESTFIELD, Mass. (AP) — A Massachusetts couple boating on a lake drowned after jumping into the water to rescue their dog, who survived.
Police say the small dog named Sadie jumped into Hampton Ponds in Westfield on Monday night, prompting 64-year-old Donald Cyr to follow his pet into the lake.
Police told The Westfield News that he became distressed and his wife, 61-year-old Patricia Cyr, tried to rescue him.
Their daughter, Miranda Landry, told The Boston Globe that her mother jumped into the water despite not being able to swim.
“It doesn’t surprise me at all,” Landry said. “I know that’s what she would do.”
Other boaters, alerted by screams, helped pull the couple from the water. Efforts by rescue personnel failed to revive them, and both were pronounced dead at hospitals.
The dog survived and was taken to the municipal animal shelter. The couple received the West Highland white terrier as a gift from Daniel Cyr’s sister six weeks ago to replace a beloved dog that died a year ago, Landry and a neighbor told The Globe.
The dog will be returned to Daniel Cyr’s sister, Landry said, adding that she couldn’t take the dog in herself because it would be too painful to have the pet around.
The Cyrs were a devoted couple of 40 years, and “they couldn’t survive without each other,” said Landry, the youngest of the couple’s three children.
The deaths remain under investigation.
Maine meeting house put on endangered historic places list
Tom Curran: There were deep character concerns about Aaron Hernandez
Halloween Outlet in Worcester, Mass. celebrates 25 years with competition
Many unanswered questions about death probe, potential Hernandez connection
Former hitman now calls Milford, Mass. home
American Medical Association: Obesity is a disease
Alleged Bulger victim's son: 'I was sick to my stomach' looking at photos in court
Many questions unanswered about death probe, possible Hernandez connection
Family friend: Body found in North Attleboro, Mass. is Odin Lloyd
Married Nashua, NH couple stabbed to death
Boston semi-pro athlete dead, believed to be North Attleboro body
Investigators at home of Patriots' Aaron Hernandez
Investigators at home of Patriots' Aaron Hernandez
Comcast awards scholarship to Mass. high school seniors
Baby Café in Worcester, Mass. a resource for overwhelmed moms
Worcester, Mass. police chief happy to have back reinstated officers
Worcester City Manager ready to receive his evaluation
What’s Goin’ On: Kim and Kanye’s baby name game
Interest high in Mass. medical pot
Call to end violence after crime spike in Boston
