HILLSBORO, Ohio — Tragedy struck at Rocky Fork State Park, as a 16-year-old girl and an Ohio Department of Natural Resources officer died after an attempted water rescue.

An emergency call was made Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. reporting two teens had fallen into Rocky Fork State Park Lake, which was still iced over. 

Lt. Branden Jackman said Paint Creek Fire was on the scene within 10 minutes. 

“They found the male subject, which I believe was 13, out of the water," Jackman said. "He had started hollering for help and a local construction worker actually found him and started calling 9-1-1. His sister was in the water and when the crews got there she was under the ice.” 

A rescue mission ensued, where many jurisdictions came to assist.

But during the first hour of the search for the girl, ODNR Officer Jason Lagore suffered an undisclosed medical emergency. 

He was transported to Highland District Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased. 

ODNR Director Mary Mertz issued a comment as part of the initial press release. 

“Our hearts are with the family and loved ones of Officer Jason Lagore, who died in the line of duty last night. Our law enforcement officers and their families carry a unique and challenging burden of responsibilities, and we are deeply grateful for their service,” she said.

The search continued for the missing girl for nearly five hours. 

“We deployed Sonar, and they were able to locate her,” Jackman said. "I’m not sure how many feet of water she was in. Like I said, the water was 36 degrees. They put two divers in the water, and were able to retrieve her. 

But they were not able to revive her. Jackman said it’s believed her last living act was saving her younger brother. 

“It turns out that she got him out before she succumbed is the way I understand it to happen from some of our crews that had a chance to talk to the young man,” Jackman said.  

The 13-year old boy is believed to be in stable condition, but Jackman said the entire situation is deeply heartbreaking and one that should not have happened. 

“A lot of people think since we’ve had some hard freezes this winter that the ice is safe,” Jackman said. “Unless you are absolutely sure, don’t trust it. Last night’s tragedy, any tragedy almost any tragedy we respond to, can be avoided.” 

It’s uncertain exactly what the teens were doing out on the ice before they fell into the water. Jackman said it’s believed they may have been trying to out a kayak out on the lake. 

The incident occurred on private property the two teens lived a few block away from. 

Lagore was a 15-year officer who was known for his K-9 training ability. He is survived by his wife, Michelle, their two young sons, and K-9 partner, Sarge.