Breaking News: 3 Deaths, Tournament Shut Down
The annual ice fishing tournament on Vermont’s Lake Champlain has been canceled following the tragic deaths of three fishermen.
Wayne Alexander, 62, died after falling through the ice on Grand Isle, Vermont.
He was found dead in the water hours after it was reported that he hadn’t returned home. His truck was also found at the scene.
Two brothers also died when their utility vehicle broke through the ice and they became overwhelmed by the freezing temperatures.
Wayne Fleury, 88, was found inside the vehicle by a diver and pronounced dead on the spot while his brother, 71-year-old John Fleury, died in the hospital.
Gilbert Gagner, a 25-year committee member for the Islands Ice Fishing Derby, told CNN that the tournament is in its 43rd year.
Taking place every February, the tournament raises funds for conservation efforts on Lake Champlain.
In addition to Martin’s General Store, Gagner owns Martin’s Ice Fishing Equipment Rental, which is now closed due to the unusually high temperatures this winter and the recent deaths.
Due to well-above-normal temperatures in the region over the past two months, the ice thickness on area lakes and ponds has been highly variable.
“Most years this is about the time ice typically forms on the lake, though it can be quite variable. If it weren’t for the last week of temps there would likely be little ice, and the next 2 weeks is looking warm with several days of wind,” NWS Burlington said.
As a result, Montpelier had its warmest January since 1948, while Burlington had its fifth warmest January since 1884.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, ice 6 inches or more can support snowmobiles or ATVs, 9 inches for cars, and 12 inches for medium-sized trucks.
In some areas of the lake, there is not enough ice to support trailers for the tournament, according to Gagner.
“Ice safety is the most important thing,” said Vermont Fish and Wildlife Commissioner Christopher Herrick to local news affiliate WCAX.
“We really want to encourage people to not go out on the ice. Clearly it’s not safe. This is the second event we’ve had in two days. So ice safety is the most important thing,” commissioner Christopher Herrick told WCAX.
As a result of the tragic events of the past few days, it is imperative to be vigilant when entering frozen lakes and ponds, and to use ice safety precautions. The community is coming together to prioritize safety and cancel the tournament in honor of those who died.
Sources: Countrymusicnation, Youtube
