Ice Fishing Family Rescues Two Wisconsin Men After UTV Plunges Into Frozen Lake
A quick-thinking ice fishing family saves two Wisconsin men from freezing waters when their UTV crashes through the ice on Christmas Day. 🌐 #News #BarronCountyWI #Wisconsin #Accident
BARRON COUNTY, WI – Christmas evening took a chilling turn on Pokegama Lake in Chetek, Wisconsin, when two men plunged into the freezing waters after their UTV fell through the ice. The unexpected heroes? A nearby family, ice fishing just yards away, who rushed to their aid and pulled them to safety.
The Incident Unfolds on Pokegama Lake
Shortly before 7 p.m. on December 25, 2024, two men riding a UTV fell through the ice near the boat landing on Pokegama Lake.
The Barron County Sheriff’s Department received a 911 call reporting the incident and quickly dispatched deputies, along with the Chetek Police Department, Chetek EMS, and the Chetek Fire Department, to the scene.
A Family’s Quick Action Saves Lives
When first responders arrived, they found that both men, aged 25 and 53, had already been pulled from the icy water by a family who had been ice fishing nearby. Their quick thinking likely saved the men’s lives, as they were able to get the individuals to safety before authorities arrived.
The younger man, aged 25, was treated at the scene and later released. The 53-year-old driver, who was in worse condition, was transported to Lakeview Medical Center for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
A Warning and Gratitude from Authorities
As temperatures begin to rise this week, officials are urging residents to exercise extra caution when venturing onto the ice. The Barron County Sheriff’s Department reminded people to carefully check ice conditions before heading out, even on familiar bodies of water.
The department also expressed its gratitude, stating, “Special thanks to the family that assisted in rescuing these two people and all the responders who left their families on Christmas to help others, as they do each and every day of the year.”
RELATED TOPICS: Accidents | Wisconsin
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