ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, N.C. (rbs news now) — A Reidsville man died after reportedly falling through the ice of a pond while searching for his missing dog.

On January 19, deputies responded to a report of a missing person, Phillip Daniel Skelley, 34, at his residence in the 8000 block of U.S. 29 Business.

Skelley had been last seen looking for his dog in the surrounding area, according to the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office.

A K9 track led deputies to an iced-over pond off Burton Road, where they found two holes in the ice near the middle of the pond.

Multiple agencies, including a dive team, assisted in the search.

Divers ultimately recovered Skelley’s body from the pond.

Investigators said they believe Skelley may have fallen through the ice while trying to rescue his dog.

“At this time, there are no signs of foul play, and Mr. Skelley’s death appears to have been a tragic accident,” a statement from the sheriff’s office said.

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