Woman drowns retrieving dog from pond

updated 10:32 p.m. ET Jan. 3, 2009

PLAINSBORO, N.J. - New Jersey authorities say a woman drowned trying to retrieve her grandson's dog from a frozen pond.

Authorities say 61-year-old Janet Howard was walking a German Shepherd named Apollo on Saturday when it wandered onto the ice covering Plainsboro Pond. Police speculate that Howard went after the dog but the ice broke, plunging her and the animal into the water about 25 feet from shore.

A passer-by on a bicycle heard Howard's cries and tried to help her, but he also fell through the ice.

He fought his way back to shore and raced home to call 911. Rescue workers later found Howard about 4 1/2 feet beneath the surface. She was taken to Princeton Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead.

The dog somehow reached the shore and ran home.

More from msnbc.com Obama has miles to go to keep all his promises Loan guarantees recharge nuclear debate World Blog: The art of saying sorry in Japan Red Tape: Online flower prices still growing   Video: In hard-hit town, some economic hope  Haiti awash in Christian aid, evangelism

MORE FROM LIFE

Life Section Front

Private colleges look to rein in financial aid NY Senate votes to expel convicted lawmaker Bridge collapse widow adopts Haitian twins L.A. foothills under mudslide threat Snow shuts down government, life goes on ‘Whose job is this?’ Snow etiquette lost on D.C. Survivors of Conn. blast interviewed Red Tape: Online flower prices still growing Life Section Front   Add Life headlines to your news reader: