At a Glance
- A car with a father and his two children plunged into an Indianapolis pond just after midnight on January 13, 2026.
- Rescue crews pulled all three from the frigid water and performed CPR on the father and one child.
- The father, 28-year-old Dechon Sims, died at the scene; his children are now listed in stable condition.
- Why it matters: Quick action by first responders saved two young lives and highlights the risks of winter water emergencies.
A midnight drive turned tragic when a vehicle carrying an Indianapolis father and his two young children left the road and sank into a pond, leaving the man dead and his kids hospitalized in stable condition.
The incident occurred at approximately 12:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at 4000 Pendleton Way, according to the Indianapolis Fire Department (IFD). The car became fully submerged in the icy water, prompting a rapid response from firefighters and Lawrence police officers.
The Rescue
First responders entered the “frigid water” and located the three occupants trapped inside the vehicle. They immediately initiated CPR on the adult driver and one child once they reached the shoreline.
“While the adult male did not survive, the two children are listed in stable condition all thanks to the officer’s heroic actions and quick thinking,” IFD stated on social media.
Divers later searched the surrounding area, secured the vehicle, and prepared it for removal by a towing company. Photographs released by IFD show a large grapple lifting the black car from the pond; the exterior appeared severely damaged.
Victims Identified
The Marion County Coroner’s Office identified the deceased driver as 28-year-old Dechon Sims. Family members described Sims to local media as “a good father, son, brother and nephew” and believe the crash was accidental.
IFD told WTHR that one of the children was in cardiac arrest when CPR began. Both children were transported to a nearby hospital and, as of the latest update, remain in stable condition.
Cause Under Investigation
Authorities have not determined why the car left the roadway and entered the pond. IFD noted that the circumstances will be part of an ongoing investigation led by the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD).
“We don’t know all the facts and circumstances,” IMPD officer Tommy Thompson told WTHR. “We’ll work to try and gather as much as we can, but they need you. They need your prayers, they need your thoughts. Reach out, be there for these little children. They’re going to need you.”
Officers Honored
Three IMPD officers who entered the freezing water were also transported to a local hospital for evaluation and were later released in good condition.
IMPD praised the rescuers on social media: “No hesitation. No second thoughts. These incredibly brave men and women put their own safety aside, and their selfless actions saved two young lives.”
The department added, “Our hearts are with everyone impacted, and we are incredibly proud of our officers and our partners who stood together when it mattered most.”
Key Takeaways
- Water temperature and response time were critical factors; hypothermia can occur within minutes in winter conditions.
- Bystanders should call 911 immediately and not attempt self-rescue without proper equipment or training.
- Child passengers require immediate medical assessment even if they appear stable after submersion incidents.
