The Massachusetts husband and spouse who died falling via the ice whereas out on a Valentine’s Day stroll with their canine have been recognized as a “very loving” couple who had been highschool sweethearts, based on authorities and reviews.
Gerard Boucher, 72, and Kathleen Boucher, 71, had been strolling their canine round 9 a.m. on Saturday in Cape Cod once they fell via the ice on Bee’s River in Eastham, based on the Eastham Police Division.
Two first responders additionally fell via the ice whereas making an attempt to rescue Kathleen, nicknamed “Equipment,” whose physique was discovered hours in a while Saturday. The primary responders had been safely pulled out.
The seek for Gerard, who appeared to have by no means resurfaced from the river, was suspended on Sunday as a result of treacherous situations and continued on Tuesday, police stated.
The Bouchers moved to the Eastham space 18 years in the past and sometimes walked their beloved black lab, Casey, alongside Bee’s River, WHDH reported.
Casey was discovered protected on the seaside and reunited with prolonged household.
“They stroll all of the seashores, on a regular basis. They love being on Cape Cod. They cherished being right here, this was their place,” buddy of the couple, Daybreak Varnum, instructed the outlet.
“They had been a really loving couple,” Varnum stated. “It’s devastating to the entire group, anybody who knew them is devastated by this tragedy.”
The couple’s daughter, Katy Boucher, instructed the Boston Globe that the household is heartbroken by the lack of Equipment and Gerard.
“They had been so tight,” she instructed the outlet. “Great companions, however actually good pals. Their relationship was really a mannequin — affection, respect, enjoyable, shared values.”
The pair met in 1970 throughout summer time faculty and celebrated their fiftieth marriage ceremony anniversary with their two daughters simply final 12 months, she stated.
“It led to so many wonderful tales we had by no means heard earlier than,” Katy stated of their latest anniversary celebration.
“We’re all heartbroken, but in addition know that we are able to get via this, collectively,” she added.
Equipment was a kindergarten instructor and Jerry labored for Connecticut Pure Fuel. The well-known couple had been energetic of their retirement and had been each part of a operating group and often volunteered locally.
“They had been a number of the most caring, kindest individuals you possibly can ever meet,” buddy Peter Miller added to WHDH.
Massachusetts State Rep. Steve Xiarhos, a Republican who represents the fifth Barnstable District, additionally posted a heartfelt tribute for the couple, whom he knew as pals from the Cape Cod Athletic Membership.
“We’re completely heartbroken over the tragic lack of Equipment Boucher and the continuing seek for her husband Jerry in Eastham,” Xiarhos wrote on Fb.
“That is such a tragedy in so some ways. A loving couple. A household shattered. A operating group grieving. A whole city shaken,” he stated.
“They had been each a part of our Cape Cod Athletic Membership, a beautiful group of pals and fellow runners from throughout Cape Cod. If you happen to run on the Cape, likelihood is you knew them or noticed them,” Xiarhos added.
“They had been all the time on the market, all the time transferring, all the time collectively. They cherished this place. They cherished the seashores, the water, and their canine. They cherished life and so they cherished one another.”
The Bouchers are survived by their daughters and 6 grandchildren, their daughter stated.
Extra water searches for Gerard will probably be carried out within the upcoming days, cops stated.
