A couple who were together for 56 years and married for 50 have died after falling through the ice of a frozen Cape Cod River. Childhood sweethearts Kathleen Boucher, 71, and Gerard ‘Jerry’ Boucher, 72, have been identified as the victims of the tragic accident, which occurred while walking their dog, Casey, last weekend. Emergency responders in Eastham, Massachusetts, rushed to the scene just after 9am following reports of a woman screaming for help in the frigid Bee’s River. Additional dive and rescue teams were dispatched to navigate the treacherous river conditions, eventually pulling Kit from the water at approximately 11am. (Picture: Facebook)
While Kit was tragically pronounced dead at the scene, authorities determined that Jerry may have fallen through and been swept away before help could even arrive. The search for Jerry is continuing, though the Eastham Police Department noted that shifting ice and incoming tides have hampered rescue efforts. Monitoring of the river continues daily, as the community holds out hope for a resolution that allows the family to lay the couple to rest together. (Picture: Facebook)
As news of the tragedy spread, the Eastham Police and Fire Departments issued stern warnings to the public about the local ice. Witnesses at the scene described the atmosphere as heavy with grief as neighbors watched the large-scale emergency operation unfold near First Encounter Beach. Local officials emphasised that fluctuating temperatures and tidal movements make river ice extremely unpredictable, even for those who know the area well. (Picture: Getty Images)
The couple’s daughter, Katy Boucher, spoke of how the pair met in a school biology class when they were just 15 years old. Kit and Jerry were inseparable for 56 years and celebrated ‘their milestone 50th wedding anniversary just last year. Katy described her parents as W’wonderful partners, but really good friends’, adding:’Their relationship was truly a model — affection, respect, fun, shared values.’ (Picture: Facebook)
The couple’s beloved dog, Casey, was rescued from the scene of the accident and survived the harrowing ordeal. Katy, confirmed that while physically safe, the pet was left “very shaken” by the traumatic event that claimed her parents’ lives. The family is now caring for the animal, which served as a constant companion to the couple throughout their retirement adventures on the beach. (Picture: Facebook)
Kit and Jerry spent their working lives in Connecticut before retiring to Cape Cod during their later years. Kit was a beloved former kindergarten teacher who remained a mentor to many of her students, while Jerry was a dedicated technician with Connecticut Natural Gas for 35 years. Following the move to Eastham they became staples of the local community, spending their time volunteering and enjoying the coastal scenery they loved so much. (Picture: Getty Images)
The loss has sent shockwaves through the Cape Cod Athletic Club and the local running community, where the couple was well-known and admired. State Representative Steve Xiarhos noted that everyone who runs on the Cape knew the Bouchers and their infectious love for the beach community. This is such a tragedy in so many ways,’ he said in a statement. ‘A loving couple. A family shattered. A running community grieving. An entire town shaken.’ (Picture: Getty Images)Add as preferred source