SUGAR CREEK TWP. A 4-year-old boy airlifted to Akron Children’s Hospital after falling into an icy pond Sunday made a slight improvement overnight, his family said.

Jensen Hodge, 4, fell into the pond on the property of Farriss Dairy Farm, owned by his great-grandfather Bill Farriss, while playing with his older brother Landon, 6. They were at the farm with their grandfather Todd Farriss, 56, who was feeding calves at the time.

The boys’ older cousin Jae Weaver lives in the house nearest the pond and had stayed home that morning while her family went to church. From the window, Weaver saw the boys fall into the pond and immediately called 911 a little before 11 a.m.

Her mother, Teri Weaver, said she was upset that Jae had not joined them at church that morning, but "now, I know why God wanted her home." Rescuers and paramedics from the East Wayne Fire Department praised Jae Weaver for her quick thinking.

"They said she did everything right," said Teri Weaver, who also praised the EWFD personnel for their quick response. "They did an excellent job. They sprung into action like they do it every day."

The first two responders from EWFD arrived in their personal vehicles and didn’t have all of their equipment until the first apparatus arrived. Even without all the necessary equipment, the rescuers dove into the pond and pulled out Farriss, who had attempted to rescue the boys, and Landon, who was able to keep his head above the surface by treading water.

Once the rescuers got them to shore, they learned Jensen was still in the water but submerged. Diving back in, they were able to rescue Jensen within 30 seconds. He came to shore with no pulse and EMTs performed advanced life support while transporting him to Aultman Orrville Hospital. He then was transported by helicopter to Akron Children’s.

Weaver said, "He made a slight improvement overnight."

Landon Hodge also was taken to Aultman Orrville, then to Akron Children’s by ambulance. He was observed overnight and released from the hospital Monday. Farriss was taken to Aultman Orrville but released after he warmed up.

"We had a lot of people praying for us," said Todd Farriss’ mother, Carol. "They each had an angel with them."