February 16, 1994

Stranded P’ton family rescued

PRINCETON TWP. – A family of four that hiked across thin ice to a tiny island in a township lake Sunday were rescued by firefighters and medics after family members realized they might be in danger.

Gerson Ludwig, his wife, Denise, and the two young girls 7 and 11 years old, left their apartment near the banks of Carnegie Lake and walked to the island, about 300 feet away, police said.

With the sun shining and ice melting, they realized once on the island that it might not be safe to walk back, so they started screaming for help.

“They felt unsafe,” said Princeton Township Capt. David Cromwell.

Several firefighters, including Borough Councilman Mark Freda, trudged 200 feet along the Delaware and Raritan Canal Towpath, which borders the lake, with a fire engine ladder.

With the help of medics, they placed the 24-feet long ladder across the ice, allowing the Ludwigs to walk to safety.