82-Year-Old Snowmobiler’s Body Found in Lake in Northern Ontario

An 82-year-old snowmobiler from Northern Ontario has passed away after the senior’s sled broke through the ice on Lake Temagami, as per provincial police reports.

Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and officers from the Bear Island Police Service responded to reports of a missing snowmobiler in the late afternoon on Jan. 6 when the rider didn’t return home.

OPP Aviation Services, OPP Northeast Emergency Response Team, and OPP Underwater Search and Recovery Unit assisted in the search, according to a police press release.

The resident of Temagami was found deceased on Jan. 7.

The investigation into the senior’s death is currently under the jurisdiction of the Ontario coroner’s office, police stated.

The 82-year-old isn’t the only person in Ontario to lose their life after falling through the ice this winter.

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Another individual has been found deceased, and the search for a second person continues after both were seen going through the ice in Temiskaming Shores on Dec. 29, according to a Jan. 3 police statement.

At 3 p.m., the Temiskaming OPP received a call for help following reports of two individuals going through the ice at Pete’s Dam Park.

The Temiskaming OPP, OPP North East Emergency Response Team, and the OPP Underwater Search and Recovery Unit initiated the search for the pair with assistance from the Temiskaming Shores Fire Department and the Temiskaming Emergency Medical Services.

The search is still ongoing for the second individual, as per police.

Police have not disclosed the identities or genders of the victims in either incident.

“OPP advises anglers and outdoor enthusiasts to thoroughly assess ice conditions before venturing onto the ice as conditions can change quickly,” police advised.

“If you must venture onto the ice, wear a thermal protection buoyant suit to increase your chances of survival if you fall through,” the society recommended in a list of tips on its website. “If you do not have one, wear a lifejacket/PFD over an ordinary snowmobile suit or layered winter clothing.”

According to the Lifesaving Society, the minimum ice thickness for a single person to remain safe on the ice is four inches or 10 centimeters. For a snowmobile, five inches or 12 centimeters are necessary, while a car requires eight to 12 inches or 20 to 30 centimeters of thickness for safety. A full-size pickup truck needs 12 to 15 inches or 30 to 38 centimeters of thickness.

The society also advises anyone going onto the ice to measure it in multiple spots and watch for weaknesses.

“No ice is without risk,” the society reiterated. “The quality and thickness of ice can change very quickly and its appearance can be misleading.”