A former Fonda man drowned in that northwest Iowa town while trying to rescue his dog.

According to Fonda Police Chief Alex Leu, a call was received about 1:30 Sunday afternoon of an unattended pickup parked near the intersection of Lake and Vine Street with the engine running.

The pickup was near the Fonda Pit, an old gravel pit and campground area. The caller could see winter clothing items near open water created by an aerator. The Fonda police, fire, and ambulance services began search and rescue operations.

The body of 64-year-old James Stacey of Marshall, Missouri, formerly of Fonda, was found at the edge of the water and ice. Leu says evidence at the scene indicates Stacey attempted to rescue his dog who had fallen in the water. During the rescue, Stacey fell through the ice and was unable to escape the water.

The dog was found safe in the pickup. The incident is being investigated as an accidental drowning.

Joel Hermann, KAYL, Storm Lake