Mom jumped into ice-covered pond in attempt to save twin sons

ONSLOW COUNTY, N.C. (WITN) - A mother jumped into an ice-covered pond Sunday evening trying to save her twin 7-year-old sons who had fallen through the frozen surface behind their home.

Benjamin and Sebastian Pufall died after being rushed to Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune Sunday evening, according to Onslow County deputies.

Barbara Zarlinga was cooking dinner while her twins played outside at their home on Mayberry Lane, northwest of Richlands.

She called them in for dinner, and when they didn’t answer on the third call, she knew something was wrong.

She went searching for them all over the neighborhood, but then felt the urge to check the pond.

“I saw Sebastian in the water. I didn’t know it was him at the time, I was praying to god it was a toy. When I got into the water, I knew it was not,” Zarlinga said.

Zarlinga pulled Sebastian out of the water and performed lifesaving measures. Emergency crews arrived and quickly located Benjamin in the water.

Both boys were taken to the Naval Medical Center where they were pronounced dead Sunday night.

The mother was treated at the hospital for hypothermia, but says she’s okay now. She is incredibly thankful for first responders, including one who went above and beyond to help her.

“The woman who pulled me out of the pond. She took me through the woods and prayed over me the whole time we were walking,” Zarlinga said.

Hailey Carey, the boys’ sister who would babysit them, said it was always fun spending time with the duo.

“Every night that I’d babysit them, at exactly 7:05 p.m., we’d go in the living room, and all have a dance party,” Carey said, while holding back tears.

The twins’ grandmother, Denise Morrison, says the pain of Sunday night is something nobody should feel.

“I hope nobody has to holler their children’s name and not get a response,” Morrison said.

Benjamin and Sebastian were in the first grade at Richlands Elementary School.

Zarlinga said the boys were incredibly loved by people in the community and had lots of friends at school.

Kiana Lewis, a family friend, set up an online fund drive for the boys’ mother. So far, it has raised more than $15,000 to help the mother with medical and funeral expenses.