US couple drown trying to rescue dog

A US couple drowned after jumping into a lake to rescue their dog, which survived.

A US couple drowned after jumping into a lake to rescue their dog, which survived.

Police say the terrier leapt into the water in Massachusetts prompting Donald Cyr (64) to follow.

He got into difficulties and his wife, Patricia (61), tried to rescue him.

Their daughter, Miranda Landry, said her mother jumped into the water despite not being able to swim.

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“It doesn’t surprise me at all,” she said. “I know that’s what she would do.” Other boaters, alerted by screams, helped pull the couple from the water.

Efforts to revive them failed, and both were pronounced dead at hospital.

The dog survived and was taken to the municipal animal shelter. The couple received the West Highland white terrier as a gift from Mr Cyr’s sister six weeks ago to replace a beloved dog who died a year ago.

The Cyrs were a devoted couple of 40 years, and “they couldn’t survive without each other,” said their daughter.