Eastham Valentine’s Day Horror: Woman Perishes in Icy Waters at First Encounter Beach, Husband Remains Missing
EASTHAM, MASSACHUSETTS – February 15, 2026 – A heartbreaking incident unfolded on Valentine’s Day at First Encounter Beach, where a couple’s morning walk with their dog turned deadly after both fell through the ice into frigid waters. Eastham authorities confirmed one fatality and an ongoing search for the missing man as of this morning.
According to joint press releases from the Eastham Police and Fire Departments, the emergency began around 9:07 a.m. on February 14 when a caller reported a distressed, wet dog wandering in the beach parking lot. Responding officers heard screams from a woman who had broken through the ice about 30 feet from shore near Bee’s River. In a heroic attempt to rescue her, one officer ventured onto the ice but fell through, submerging both himself and the victim. A second officer also partially fell in while trying to assist but managed to reach safety. Both officers were later transported to Cape Cod Hospital for evaluation after exposure to the cold water.
Eastham Fire Department personnel, equipped with cold-water suits, quickly joined the effort, supported by the Barnstable County Technical Rescue Team, Dive Team, and drones from multiple agencies, including the Barnstable County Sheriff’s Office. Divers located the woman around 11:12 a.m., where she was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigations revealed she had been walking with her husband and dog; the husband is believed to have fallen through the ice earlier and failed to resurface. An extensive six-hour search, involving divers and an underwater remotely operated vehicle, was suspended at 5 p.m. due to darkness.
The couple’s dog was safely recovered by the Eastham Animal Control Officer and reunited with extended family. Chiefs Lisa Albino of the Fire Department and Adam Bohannon of the Police Department praised the responders’ bravery amid challenging conditions and extended condolences to the victims’ family. Names are being withheld pending full notification of next of kin.
Search operations are set to resume this morning.
