MINNESOTA MAN DROWNS WHILE ATTEMPTING TO RESCUE HIS DOG, WHO HAD FALLEN THROUGH ICE WHILE RETRIEVING A BIRD.(PHOTO).

 Minnesota man drowns while attempting to rescue his dog, who had fallen through ice while retrieving a bird.

This sad incident occurred at the Eszlinger Water Fowl Production Area in Ashley, North Dakota, on November 12th. 

On that day, 30-year-old Christopher Hendricks and a friend were hunting waterfowl with his trusty hunting dog. 

After shooting a duck, Hendricks "loosed" his dog to retrieve the bird. However, once the dog retrieved the bird, he began struggling after becoming stuck on a sheet of ice.

Hendricks became alarmed seeing his dog in distress and stripped off his heavy hunting gear before entering the water in an attempt to save his dog. 

Hendricks hunting partner Maxwell DiVenere says Hendricks made it to his dog, and the two began to swim towards shore. At some point, as Hendricks and his dog were trying to get back to shore, it became apparent they were in distress. 

Upon seeing his friend begin to struggle, DiVenere entered the water to assist. He was able to make it to his friend, but as he was attempting to hold on to Hendricks, he unfortunately slipped below the surface. 

DiVenere spent some time unsuccessfully trying to locate Hendricks before ultimately making his way back to the shore with the dog. 

He immediately called 911, and the Ashley Fire and Rescue Team was dispatched around 1 p.m. Due to the conditions of the water at the time, it was over 24 hours later when authorities were able to recover Christopher Hendricks.

Maxwell DiVenere was treated at a local hospital for exhaustion and exposure. 

Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Christopher Hendricks.