BUCHANAN — A 31-year-old Andrews University student was hospitalized over the weekend after falling through the ice in the cold waters near Clear Lake in Buchanan.

According to the Michigan State Police, state troopers and members of the Buchanan City Police Department and Berrien County Sheriff’s Department received a water rescue call on West Clear Lake Road in Buchanan Township at approximately 1:50 p.m. Saturday.

Police say the incident occurred when the victim fell through the ice while walking across Still Lake Pond during a visit to a retreat near his location.

A resident near the location heard calls for help and noticed a young man had fallen through the ice.
The resident carefully crossed the ice to assist the victim until emergency response personnel arrived on scene.

Michigan State Troopers along with officers from the Buchanan City Police and the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department began to attempt a water rescue prior to the arrival of local fire and rescue.

The Buchanan Township and Bertrand Township Fire Department responded to the call and rescued the subject who had been in the frigid waters for approximately 25 minutes.

He was turned over to the Southwest Michigan Community Ambulance Service (SMCAS) and taken to Memorial Hospital in serious condition.