CASS COUNTY, Minn. — An elderly man died Friday after the ATV he was driving in Pike Bay broke through the ice.
On Monday, authorities identified the man as Thomas Steele, age 82, of Bemidji.
The Cass County Sheriff's Office says deputies were called to the scene at Pike Bay in Cass Lake for a report of an ATV falling through the ice with a man underwater at 11:15 a.m. Friday, according to a release from the office.
Upon arrival, deputies learned that Steele had been pulled from the water by witnesses who were fishing in the area. Steele was transported from the ice by airboat and then to a hospital where life-saving efforts were attempted, but Steele was ultimately pronounced deceased.
An adult passenger on the ATV was also in the water and was treated at the scene.
“Even though we have experienced colder weather this week; ice conditions still remain very unstable and poor. Areas that had open water earlier in the week may just have a thin layer of ice on them now and are not safe enough for travel. It is extremely important to check ahead when traveling on the ice,” said Cass County Sheriff Bryan Welk.
The sheriff's office also released the following guidelines to help minimize the risks on the ice:
- Always wear a life jacket or float coat on the ice (except when in a vehicle).
- Carry ice picks, rope, an ice chisel and tape measure.
- Check ice thickness at regular intervals; conditions can change quickly.
- Bring a cell phone or personal locator beacon.
- Do not go out alone; let someone know about trip plans and expected return time.
- Before heading out, inquire about conditions and known hazards with local experts.
- Parents and guardians should talk with their children about staying away from the ice unless there is adult supervision. This includes lakes and rivers, as well as neighborhood ponds, retention ponds and anywhere ice forms.
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