Human Interest Ark. Man, 69, Dies Trying to Rescue Beloved Calf from Frozen Pond: 'A Heartbreaking Loss' Jessie Roberts' family said he "loved farming and loved his cattle" By Joelle Goldstein Joelle Goldstein Twitter Joelle Goldstein is a TV Staff Editor for PEOPLE Digital. She has been with the brand for five years, beginning her time as a digital news writer, where she covered everything from entertainment news to crime stories and royal tours. Since then, she has worked as a writer-reporter on the Human Interest team and an associate editor on the TV team. In her current role, Joelle oversees all things TV and enjoys being able to say she has to watch The Kardashians, Dancing with the Stars and America's Got Talent for "work". Prior to joining PEOPLE, Joelle was employed at The Hollywood Reporter. She graduated from Ithaca College with a degree in Television-Radio (and an appearance in the NCAA Women's Volleyball Final Four!) People Editorial Guidelines Published on February 18, 2021 01:40 PM Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos A frozen pond. Photo: Getty An Arkansas man has tragically died after he fell into a frozen pond while attempting to save his beloved calf, according to officials. The Logan County Sheriff's Office confirmed the incident in a statement on Facebook Wednesday, identifying the victim as Jessie Roberts, a 69-year-old man from Magazine. Officials said Roberts was last seen on Tuesday but they learned of the fatal accident on Wednesday. According to police, a male friend had gone by Roberts' home to check on him but was unable to find him at the house. Tennessee Boy, 10, Dies After Saving Sister, 6, from Frozen Pond The friend later spotted Roberts' truck near the pond and went to look for him, officials said. However, when he was still unable to find him there, the friend then called Roberts' loved ones for assistance. The sheriff's office said they were eventually alerted of the incident after Roberts' friends and family "determined that he was not somewhere else and that he may be in the pond." An "overwhelming response" of Magazine residents came to the scene and assisted with the search before Roberts' body and a dead calf were located in the frozen pond, according to officials. RELATED VIDEO: Firefighters Rescue Dog from Dangerous, Icy Pond Plunge In the wake of the devastating discovery, Roberts' family told police that "they have no doubt that when Jessie saw the calf get stuck in the pond, he went in to get the calf out." Authorities believe Roberts was alone when the incident unfolded. "Jessie loved farming and loved his cattle," the sheriff's office wrote in their post, citing Roberts' family. "It is a heartbreaking loss for his family and friends, and our thoughts and prayers go out to them." Police said Roberts' family also released a statement thanking those who helped with the search efforts, as well as everyone who has reached out to them.