The body of 72-year-old Jerry Boucher was discovered six days after he fell through the snow while walking with his wife and their dog in Eastham, Massachusetts. The tragic incident has shocked the community as the couple was known for their loving relationship and frequent outings together.
What happened:
On February 14, 2026, Jerry Boucher and his wife, Kit, 71, were out for a walk near First Encounter Beach when they both fell through the ice. Officers searched for the couple after they initially found their dog in distress and wet in the parking lot. During the search, officers attempted to help Kitt, but they were also at risk, with two officers themselves falling through the ice. Thankfully, both officers were able to return safely and were taken to a local hospital for evaluation.
Despite the challenging conditions, a rescue dive team found Kit under the ice by 11:12 a.m. He was pronounced dead at the scene. During the initial search, authorities learned that Jerry had likely fallen into the water before emergency personnel arrived, and his body did not resurface. The search for Jerry continued and on February 20, his body was found in a marshy area about a half mile northeast of the Bees River parking lot.
Community Feedback and Support:
The news of Jerry’s death has had a deep impact on the local community. Don Varnum, a close friend of the couple, described them as a “very loving couple” and said their loss has devastated everyone who knew them. Jerry and Kit met when they were both 15 years old, and their strong bond was obvious to those around them.
In a statement before Jerry’s body was found, his daughter expressed the family’s grief, saying, “Our family is devastated by the tragic loss of our beloved parents.” He thanked first responders for their efforts and expressed gratitude for the community’s support during this difficult time.
looking ahead:
This tragedy has not only affected Jerry and Kit’s family, but has also left a lasting impact on their community, where they were well known and loved. As the family mourns their loss, they are surrounded by the compassion and support of people who understand the depth of this heartbreaking accident. The community is sending love and strength to the Boucher family to overcome this unimaginable grief.