Due to the tragic deaths of three fishermen on Vermont’s Lake Champlain, the annual ice fishing tournament has been canceled.
In Grand Isle, Vermont, Wayne Alexander, 62, died after falling through the ice.
Several hours after it was reported that he hadn’t returned home, he was found dead in the water. His truck was also found at the scene.
During the freezing temperatures, two brothers also died after their utility vehicle broke through the ice.
88-year-old Wayne Fleury 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.
The Islands Ice Fishing Derby is in its 43rd year, according to Gilbert Gagner, a 25-year committee member.
This tournament raises funds for Lake Champlain conservation efforts every February.
As well as 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.
There has been a wide range in ice thickness on area lakes and ponds due to well-above-normal temperatures over the past two months.
“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.
Consequently, Montpelier had its warmest January since 1948, and Burlington had its fifth warmest January since 1884.
Ice 6 inches or more can support snowmobiles or ATVs, 9 inches for cars, and 12 inches for medium-sized trucks, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
According to Gagner, some parts of the lake don’t have enough ice to support trailers.
Vermont Fish and Wildlife Commissioner Christopher Herrick told local news affiliate WCAX that “ice safety is the most important thing.”.
“We really want to encourage people not to go out on the ice. It’s clearly not safe. This is the second event we’ve had in two days. So ice safety is the most important,” commissioner Christopher Herrick told WCAX.
After the tragic events of the past few days, it’s imperative to be vigilant when entering frozen lakes and ponds, and to take ice safety precautions. The community is coming together to prioritize safety and cancel the tournament.
Sources: Youtube, Countrymusicnation
