Deadly Ice Break: Two Lost, One Pulled to Safety

It has been cold for weeks and some smaller bodies of water have been developing ice but none of it is safe to be on. Unfortunately, three young men found just how unsafe the ice is.

Michigan Lakes Freeze Over at Different Times

I'm an avid ice fisherman and cannot wait to get out this season, but one thing is for sure: I will wait until the ice is safe. Michigan is a big state with varying temperatures from the Lower Peninsula to the Upper Peninsula so the ice on the lakes will freeze at different times depending upon what part of the state you live in.

In Michigan, safe ice for walking requires at least 4 inches of clear, blue ice. If you would like to take a snowmobile or an ATV onto the ice you will need about 5 or more inches. There needs to be 8-12 inches of ice to drive a car, but you will need more if you are taking a truck on the ice. There is one rule to go by, and that is no ice is 100% safe.

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It is a good idea the first time you get on the ice that you use a spud or an auger to test the thickness near the shore before venturing out. Spring fed lakes can be even more dangerous even when the ice is thick.

Ice Tragedy Leaves Two Dead And One Survivor

According to WOOD TV, a 22-year-old man, a 14-year-old boy, and a 13-year-old boy fell through the ice over the weekend in Kalkaska County. The three ventured out onto Island Lake just before 11 p.m. when people in the area heard screams.

All three people fell through the ice, but the 14-year-old was able to climb out and yell for help. Rescuers were able to pull the 22-year-old from the ice but he was pronounced dead at the hospital. Unfortunately, the 13-year-old wasn't located until the following morning.

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