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Oshkosh, WI - A teenager drowns after falling through the ice of an Oshkosh pond. 15-year-old Austin Werbelow was a freshman at Oshkosh North High School.

He drowned last night in a quarry near the Zillges Materials property off of West Snell Road in Oshkosh. Another teenage friend got out safety and ran to get help. Oshkosh Police say this is the first ice rescue call of the year, an accidental drowning, just days before Christmas.

A single rose, marks the spot, where fifteen year-old Austin Werbelow left the shore. He and a friend were walking out onto this quarry pond, it was dark, when both of them broke through.

"It was two male teenagers, that had fallen through the ice. One was able to escape from the water, and run to a nearby home," said Joe Nichols of the Oshkosh Police Department.

The dive team was on the way. But Austin was in more than ten feet of water, for almost an hour.

"Pulled him from the water, and began resuscitation. He was transported to Aurora Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at the hospital," said Nichols.

Werbelow was a freshman at Oshkosh North High School. Counselors are on hand to help anyone who may need it.

"Oshkosh North has lost one of its students last night. And our staff and students have been supported today by our crisis plan. And our thoughts and prayers are going out to the family at this time," said Dr. Andrew Jones, Principal at Oshkosh North High School.

An accidental drowning, and a young life lost.

"This is a tragic event. Especially this time of season. and it's, it's sad," said Nichols.
 

A facebook page has been started to remember Austin. And in Oshkosh, a community is just coming to grips, with this tragedy.