In the early part of the century, thousands of tourists would venture out onto the ice bridge that forms in the pool at the base of the falls during extremely cold winters.
On February 4, 1912, while operating a small shanty that served hot beverages and snacks on the frozen river to tourists that were visiting the "Ice bridge", he heard the ice below him tremble and he immediately sensed disaster.

He realized the ice was breaking up below and he frantically tried to wave the spectators to safety on the Canadian side.
Realizing that four people were still on the ice, Red Hill Sr.
returned and managed to pull one person, 17 year old Ignatius Roth, to safety and they reached the Canadian side.
Three others were not so fortunate in spite of rescue efforts that included Hill; that was at least partly because they ignored his advice and tried to reach the American side of the falls instead.

Despite frantic efforts to drop ropes from the bridges, the three terrified people were swept to their deaths and their bodies never recovered.
In the early part of the century, thousands of tourists would venture out onto the ice bridge that forms in the pool at the base of the falls during extremely cold winters. On February 4, 1912, while operating a small shanty that served hot beverages and snacks on the frozen river to tourists that were visiting the "Ice bridge", he heard the ice below him tremble and he immediately sensed disaster.
He realized the ice was breaking up below and he frantically tried to wave the spectators to safety on the Canadian side. Realizing that four people were still on the ice, Red Hill Sr. returned and managed to pull one person, 17 year old Ignatius Roth, to safety and they reached the Canadian side. Three others were not so fortunate in spite of rescue efforts that included Hill; that was at least partly because they ignored his advice and tried to reach the American side of the falls instead. 
Despite frantic efforts to drop ropes from the bridges, the three terrified people were swept to their deaths and their bodies never recovered.
William "Red" Hill Sr.