Accident – death – Obituary News :

Man Dies After Truck Falls Through Ice on Mille Lacs Lake

A tragic incident occurred on Friday morning when a man’s truck went through the ice on Mille Lacs Lake, resulting in his death. The Mille Lacs County Sheriff’s Office received a distress call around 10:52 a.m. reporting the incident at the Flagship Inn on Whistle Road.

According to the caller, they spotted the body of a man wearing a flotation device in the water near the area where the truck had fallen through the ice. The ice, which measured six inches thick, proved to be unsafe for the vehicle. Fortunately, the caller managed to retrieve the man’s body and bring him to shore.

The deceased has been identified as 80-year-old Richard Francis Gadbois from Isle. He was pronounced dead at Mille Lacs Health System Hospital.

Authorities in Mille Lacs County are urging caution, emphasizing that the current ice conditions across the state are not safe for vehicle traffic. This warning comes as warm temperatures and rainy conditions persist, compromising the integrity of the ice during the winter season.

It is crucial for individuals to stay informed and exercise extreme caution when venturing onto frozen bodies of water. The tragic incident on Mille Lacs Lake serves as a somber reminder of the potential dangers associated with unsafe ice conditions.

As the winter season progresses, it is advisable to follow the guidance of local authorities and avoid unnecessary risks. Safety should always be the top priority, and it is essential to stay updated on ice conditions before engaging in any activities on frozen lakes or ponds.

Please remember to stay safe and look out for one another during this winter season. Let us all take necessary precautions to prevent further tragedies like the one that occurred on Mille Lacs Lake.

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