On Jan. 18 just before 8 p.m., a snowmobile broke through the ice on Chaumont Pond in Clifton, N.Y., where three people were ice fishing. Patrick R. LaPlante, 51, fell through the ice while trying to rescue his son, Bryan P. LaPlante, 33; Michael J. Booth, 48, was also involved. A 6-year-old boy walked nearly two miles to his grandfather's home to get help; the boy and his grandfather were treated for hypothermia. Rescue crews recovered both men, who were pronounced dead at Gouverneur Hospital. An investigation is ongoing.
6-Year-Old Walks Nearly Two Miles to Get Help After Father and Friend Fall Through Ice in Upstate New York
GettyFrozen lake.
A 6-year-old boy walked nearly two miles through cold, winter conditions to his grandfather's house to summon help after a snowmobile broke through the ice and two men fell into Chaumont Pond in upstate New York.
When and where: The incident occurred on Sunday, Jan. 18, just before 8 p.m. local time on County Route 60 in Clifton. Chaumont Pond, where the accident took place, is connected to the Oswegatchie River.
What happened: According to New York State Police, three people were ice fishing when their snowmobile went through the ice. Officials identified those involved as Patrick R. LaPlante, 51; his son, Bryan P. LaPlante, 33; and Michael J. Booth, 48. Patrick went to check on the group after they failed to return. He found Bryan had fallen through the ice and, while attempting a rescue, Patrick fell into the water as well.
Patrick was able to pull himself from the water, but he was unable to locate Booth or his 6-year-old grandson. After returning home, Patrick called 911. Shortly afterward the boy arrived at his grandfather's home to get help. Both the child and Patrick were transported to Clifton-Fine Hospital for treatment of hypothermia.
Rescue and outcome: Responders from the New York State Police, local fire and rescue units and the St. Lawrence County Sheriff's Department searched the pond. Rescue crews later located Bryan LaPlante and Michael Booth unresponsive in the water. Both men were removed from the pond, transported to Gouverneur Hospital, and pronounced dead.
Investigation and safety note: An investigation by law enforcement is ongoing to determine the exact sequence of events that led to the snowmobile breaking through the ice. Authorities have not released further details. The case has drawn attention to the dangers of winter ice activities—especially using snowmobiles on connected waterways—and serves as a reminder to check ice thickness, travel with proper safety equipment, and avoid risky conditions.
Sources: New York State Police, local emergency responders and hospital confirmations as reported by media outlets.
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