CLIFTON, NY – Two men were killed Sunday after falling through ice while riding a snowmobile during an ice fishing trip in Upstate New York, authorities said. A 6-year-old child who was with them survived and later walked to safety.
Snowmobile Breaks Through Ice on Chaumont Pond
According to New York State Police, the incident occurred on Chaumont Pond in Clifton, New York, when a snowmobile carrying two adult men and a 6-year-old child broke through the ice. One man was in his 30s, and the other was in his 40s.
When the group failed to return home, another man went searching for them later that evening.
Searcher Falls Through Ice While Attempting Rescue
While searching along the shoreline of the Oswegatchie River, the man located one of the individuals who had fallen through the ice. He attempted a rescue by crawling across the icy surface but also broke through.
Despite falling into the river, the man was able to pull himself out of the water and return home to warm up. He later contacted authorities to report what had happened.
Child Walks to Safety
Shortly after police were notified, the 6-year-old boy arrived at the searcher’s home on foot after walking from the scene. Authorities said the child survived the ordeal and was later taken to the hospital for treatment.
Victims Identified by Authorities
At approximately 7:40 p.m., police, fire, and rescue crews responded to County Route 60, where they located the two men in the water.
The victims were identified as 33-year-old Bryan LaPlante and 48-year-old Michael Booth. Both men were found unresponsive and transported to a nearby hospital, where they were pronounced dead.
Survivors Treated for Hypothermia
The man who attempted the rescue and the 6-year-old child were both transported to the hospital and treated for hypothermia. Their conditions were not immediately released.
Incident Remains Under Investigation
Authorities have not released additional details about ice conditions at the time of the incident. State police said the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths remains ongoing.
