Indianapolis, Indiana, January 14, 2026
A tragic incident in Indianapolis saw a 28-year-old father lose his life after driving his car into a retention pond. His two children, aged 8 and 9, were rescued by heroic police officers who entered the icy water to save them. The father was pronounced dead shortly after being taken to the hospital, while the older child is reported to be in stable condition. This heartbreaking event underscores the risks associated with driving in challenging conditions and the bravery of first responders during emergencies.
Indianapolis, Indiana
Tragic Retention Pond Incident Claims Father, Rescues Two Children
On January 13, 2026, a heartbreaking incident unfolded in Indianapolis as a vehicle driven by a 28-year-old man drove into a retention pond on the northeast side of the city. Amidst a scene of urgency, the man was accompanied by his two children, aged 8 and 9, who found themselves trapped inside the submerged car. Prompt response from the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) and the City of Lawrence Police Department proved life-saving, allowing four officers to heroically rescue the children, even as their father tragically succumbed to his injuries shortly thereafter.
This unfortunate event highlights the vital role played by first responders in our communities. Their swift actions not only saved lives but also reaffirm the importance of dedicated public service. As the IMPD continues its investigation into the circumstances surrounding this incident, the community reflects on both the bravery in moments of crisis and the inherent risks associated with driving in challenging conditions.
Rescue Operations
Emergency responders arrived at the scene to find the vehicle fully submerged, approximately 10 feet deep and about 15 feet from the shore. The officers displayed remarkable courage as they entered the icy waters, managing to extract both children from the vehicle’s interior. After being rescued, both the driver and his 8-year-old child were in cardiac arrest and required immediate CPR. The driver was later pronounced dead at Eskenazi Hospital, while the 9-year-old child was transported to Riley Hospital for Children and is reported to be in stable condition.
Background
Tragic incidents involving vehicles entering retention ponds are not uncommon in Indianapolis. Similar events have taken place in the past, including a December 2021 incident where a St. John police officer rescued two children from a submerged vehicle after the driver fled from law enforcement. In 2018, another father tragically lost his life while attempting to save his young daughter from a similar predicament on the city’s north side.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happened in the Indianapolis retention pond incident?
A 28-year-old man drove his vehicle into a retention pond on the northeast side of Indianapolis, resulting in the vehicle becoming submerged. The driver and his two children, aged 8 and 9, were inside the car at the time.
How were the children rescued?
Four IMPD officers, along with assistance from the City of Lawrence Police Department, entered the cold waters without hesitation. They successfully rescued the children from the submerged vehicle.
What is the current condition of the children?
The 9-year-old child was transported to Riley Hospital for Children and is currently listed in stable condition. The 8-year-old child was also rescued but was not specified in the available reports.
What happened to the driver?
The 28-year-old driver was found in cardiac arrest and received immediate CPR. Despite efforts, he was pronounced dead at Eskenazi Hospital.
Is the cause of the vehicle entering the pond known?
The exact cause of the vehicle entering the pond remains under investigation by IMPD.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 4000 Pendleton Way, Indianapolis, Indiana |
| Time of Incident | Early hours of January 13, 2026 |
| Involved Parties | 28-year-old male driver, 8-year-old and 9-year-old children |
| Rescue Teams | IMPD officers, City of Lawrence Police Department |
| Outcome | Driver deceased, 9-year-old child stable, 8-year-old child’s condition unspecified |
| Investigation Status | Ongoing by IMPD |
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Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
