FOND DU LAC COUNTY, Wis. — A man is dead after three people fell through the ice on Lake Winnebago in Fond du Lac County.
Deputies were called to the scene around 9:30 p.m. Monday near the Fond du Lac River just west of the lake.
Emergency calls came in for three people who had fallen through the ice while they were on ATV's on Lake Winnebago.
A 55-year-old man and 23-year old man, both from Fond du Lac were driving ATV's. A 22-year-old Brownsville woman was a passenger.
There was also a 69-year-old man traveling with the group in a UTV.
The group was traveling in a line when the ATV driven by the 55-year-old went through the ice.
The next ATV with the man and woman on it couldn't stop in time and went through the ice int he same area.
The 69-year-old man was able to stop before going through the hole in the ice.
The 23-year-old man was able to get the 22-year-old woman out of the water.
He then made several attempts to get the other man out of the water but was unsuccessful.
The man stayed in the water until emergency responders arrived on scene.
The 55-year-old man was under water for a period of time. He was unconscious and non-responsive when emergency personnel pulled him from the water.
He was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.
The other man and woman were also taken to the hospital where they were treated and released.
Deputies said despite the cold days we've had this week the ice in that area was about 1 to 2 inches thick.
The National Weather Service and DNR both recommend at least 4 inches of ice on water for people to walk on it.
No ice is ever completely safe and people should always use extreme caution.
Fond du Lac County has released the name of the deceased as Peter A. Zacherl.
