Farmer dies while trying to save calves from frozen pond in Dickson County A Dickson County farmer died while trying to save two calves that had fallen into a partially frozen pond. and last updated 2021-02-19 19:52:14-05 VANLEER, Tenn. (WTVF) â A farmer died while trying to save calves in a frozen pond in Vanleer Thursday. Dickson County Sheriff's Office Crews attempt to rescue a farmer from a frozen pond in Dickson County. Dickson County Sheriff Tim Eads said Donald Mitchell walked out onto the frozen pond to rescue two calves. While trying to get them out, Michell fell in the water. His wife, Rella Mitchell said he came up once but went back under and never resurfaced.