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FOUNTAIN, COLO. -- Authorities have identified the man who died while rescuing his dog from a frozen pond.

Around noon Saturday, 45-year-old William Tuttle of Fountain fell through the ice at Willow Springs Pond at the Fountain Creek Park.

"The dog ran out onto the ice and he went following right afterwards," Capt. Nathan Mascarenas of the Fountain Fire Department told FOX 31 News.

Tuttle was able to save the dog, but he could not escape the frigid water. Officials with the Fountain Fire Department said it took 90 minutes to find Tuttle's body. Rescue divers had to feel their way along the bottom of the pond during their search because the water below the ice was so murky.

"I was shocked when I heard it," Duane Wockenfuss, Tuttle's neighbor, said. "I mean, it's so close to home."

Those who knew Tuttle said he was a kind man who cared deeply for his family. While saddened by his tragic death, many said they would have done the same thing for their own pets.

"Dogs, cats and other animals are just like family," Wockenfuss said. "I suppose if that dog was mine and was close enough to me like a child or whatever, I'd go out there and get him."

However, firefighters said that is the last thing anyone should do.

"Our suggestion is stay off the ice, no fishing, no skating, no playing, no nothing," Mascarenas told FOX 31. "Either way, human or pet, let the fire department do the rescue."

Firefighters also urge dog owners to keep their pets on a leash, especially near water. Mascarenas told FOX 31 Tuttle's dog was not on a leash and if it was, the tragedy could have been prevented.

A fund has been set up for the Tuttle family at the Security Service Federal Credit Union on Mesa Ridge Parkway in Fountain. Family friend Danny Torres said the fund is under Megan and Taylor Tuttle, William's two teenage children. Anyone seeking more information of how to help the family can call Torres at (719) 651-5164.