SOUTH HERO, Vt. — Two fishermen have died after their UTV fell through the ice on Lake Champlain in South Hero, Vermont, officials say.
In a news release, Vermont State Police said they are investigating after two fishermen reportedly fell through the ice Saturday on Lake Champlain in South Hero. One of the fishermen died and the other was taken to the hospital. Authorities say his current condition is unknown.
Emergency crews were called just after 7 a.m. about a vehicle - an enclosed side-by-side UTV- broke through the ice. Vermont State Police say first responders learned that there were two people inside the UTV.
One of the fishermen, a 71-year-old man, was pulled out of the water and taken to the hospital where he later died, according to WCAX. The other fisherman, an 88-year-old man, was inside the UTV and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Another incident happened days earlier on Thursday where Wayne Alexander, 62, fell through the ice while fishing at Grand Isle State Park and died, according to WCAX.
Vermont Fish & Wildlife on Facebook said that ice conditions on Lake Champlain has been deemed unsafe and recommends avoiding going on the ice.
“The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department is asking the public stay off the ice on Lake Champlain this weekend, due to unsafe ice conditions resulting from our recent warm weather. On inland waters where ice conditions may be better, we ask that you use good judgment, check the ice as you go, and leave vehicles on shore,” said Vermont Fish & Wildlife on Facebook.
The investigation is ongoing. The names of the two fishermen have not yet been released due to next-of-kin notifications, Vermont State Police said.