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The Massachusetts husband and wife who died falling through the ice while out on a Valentine’s Day stroll with their dog have been identified as a “very loving” couple who were high school sweethearts, according to authorities and reports.
Gerard Boucher, 72, and Kathleen Boucher, 71, were walking their dog around 9 a.m. on Saturday in Cape Cod when they fell through the ice on Bee’s River in Eastham, according to the Eastham Police Department.
Two first responders also fell through the ice while trying to rescue Kathleen, nicknamed “Kit,” whose body was found hours later on Saturday. The first responders were safely pulled out.
The search for Gerard, who appeared to have never resurfaced from the river, was suspended on Sunday due to the treacherous conditions and continued on Tuesday, police said.
The Bouchers moved to the Eastham area 18 years ago and often walked their beloved black lab, Casey, along Bee’s River, WHDH reported.
Casey was found safe on the beach and reunited with extended family.
“They walk all the beaches, all the time. They love being on Cape Cod. They loved being here, this was their place,” friend of the couple, Dawn Varnum, told the outlet.
“They were a very loving couple,” Varnum said. “It’s devastating to the whole community, anyone who knew them is devastated by this tragedy.”
The couple’s daughter, Katy Boucher, told the Boston Globe that the family is heartbroken by the loss of Kit and Gerard.
“They were so tight,” she told the outlet. “Wonderful partners, but really good friends. Their relationship was truly a model — affection, respect, fun, shared values.”
The pair met in 1970 during summer school and celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with their two daughters just last year, she said.
“It led to so many amazing stories we had never heard before,” Katy said of their recent anniversary celebration.
“We are all heartbroken, but also know that we can get through this, together,” she added.
Kit was a kindergarten teacher and Jerry worked for Connecticut Natural Gas. The well-known couple were active in their retirement and were both a part of a running group and frequently volunteered in the community.
“They were some of the most caring, kindest people you could ever meet,” friend Peter Miller added to WHDH.
Massachusetts State Rep. Steve Xiarhos, a Republican who represents the 5th Barnstable District, also posted a heartfelt tribute for the couple, whom he knew as friends from the Cape Cod Athletic Club.
“We are absolutely heartbroken over the tragic loss of Kit Boucher and the ongoing search for her husband Jerry in Eastham,” Xiarhos wrote on Facebook.
“This is such a tragedy in so many ways. A loving couple. A family shattered. A running community grieving. An entire town shaken,” he said.
“They were both part of our Cape Cod Athletic Club, a wonderful group of friends and fellow runners from all over Cape Cod. If you run on the Cape, chances are you knew them or saw them,” Xiarhos added.
“They were always out there, always moving, always together. They loved this place. They loved the beaches, the water, and their dog. They loved life and they loved each other.”
The Bouchers are survived by their daughters and six grandchildren, their daughter said.
Additional water searches for Gerard will likely be conducted in the upcoming days, cops said.
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