Brave boy, 14, died falling into a frozen lake 'while trying to save his friends'

Tragedy struck Colorado after a teenage boy fell through the ice of a frozen lake and died on Thanksgiving after trying to save his friends.

At Roxborough State Park, the boy and three other teens made up of two females and one male, suddenly fell through the ice on a lake.

His aunt Yvonne Wenzel told CBS: "From my understanding, Dyllan saw there was an issue and he just took off running, from what everybody said, and dove into the water.

"Unfortunately Dyllan, he went under and nobody could find him fast enough to get him."

An investigation into the incident is ongoing.

Quick-acting locals were able to use "hoses, extension cords and ropes," to reach the three surviving teenagers, but could not reach the fourth after he fell in around 2.30pm on Wednesday, November 22.

Dyllan Whittenburg, 14, sadly died in the hospital on November 24 and only turned 14 on November 23 as he lay in the hospital.

Responders were called to Crystal Lake Park near South Crystal Lake Drive in Douglas County, and were assisted by South Metro Fire Rescue and Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

The three were eventually saved and described as "okay" by the West Metro Fire Rescue (WMFR) service, but Dyllan found themselves in danger due to being in deeper waters. He had to be rescued by a diver of the WMFR team.

An emotional vigil was held next to the lake on November 26 and many of those present wore red in honour of their late friend, as it was his favourite colour.

Family members were present along with officials from the local church and pupils from Ranch View Middle School, where Dyllan went to school.

Dyllan's grieving dad described his son as an "amazing" kid who "touched everybody", and another family member said they were grateful to the people who turned up.

"Just know that my heart is so full of love for every single one of you guys that has shown up to support all of us," they said.

Friend McKayla Weadick said: "He helped me through so much. Thick and thin. He was one of the most respectful people; hardworking, determined. He got a job at 13.

"We were just like were always together. We have so many memories together."

Pastor Phillip Holland helped to lead the vigil and said "he gave himself. Not that he would live, but that they would live."

He asked members of the crowd to think of a word to describe the late teen, to which people responded with "courageous."