A tragic incident unfolded in Otsego County, Upstate New York, on January 6, 2024, when a 41-year-old man died after he and his brother accidentally fell through thin ice on Basswood Pond in Burlington.
The unfortunate event involved two brothers from Richfield Springs who ventured out to ice fish on the pond, unaware of the perilous thin ice, reported to be only an inch thick.
The accident was witnessed by a passerby walking their dog, who promptly alerted emergency services. Forest Ranger Nate Laymon, who was in close proximity to the incident, responded immediately to the call.
Upon reaching the site, Laymon found the 42-year-old brother battling the icy waters. Donning a wet suit, Laymon crawled onto the ice and used a throw bag and rope to pull the man out. By 2:55 p.m., the man had been moved to solid ground, and Laymon used a sled to transport him to the Edmeston Fire Department, where he was treated for hypothermia.
The search began for the younger brother who had vanished under the water. Laymon noticed a Polaris-branded snowmobile jacket, which led him to the submerged man. At 3:05 p.m., the brother was found in seven to eight feet of water. Despite receiving CPR from EMTs, he was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
The rescue operation involved the collective efforts of between 20 to 30 personnel from different departments, including firefighters and state police. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) shared a video of the rescue operation on their social media, highlighting the critical nature of the situation.
This incident has underscored concerns about the safety of ice fishing, particularly during unpredictable weather conditions that can result in thin ice. Following the incident, the DEC stressed the importance of checking ice conditions and being ready for emergencies when partaking in winter outdoor activities.
