UTV Passenger Killed After Vehicle Falls Through Open Water On Lake Winnebago

(Lake Winnebago) A UTV crash on Lake Winnebago Saturday afternoon resulted in a fatality. Fond du Lac County sheriff’s deputies were notified of the accident that occurred a quarter mile north of Lakeside Park in the town of Fond du Lac around 12:25pm.  

Upon investigating, authorities learned that the 56-year-old Fond du Lac man who was operating the UTV was traveling south on the ice. He was accompanied by a 67-year-old man from the town of Taycheedah. The vehicle encountered open water, and both individuals were able to exit the UTV but were in the water for approximately 20 minutes before bystanders noticed them. 

Law enforcement officers were given a ride by a bystander in a UTV to the scene, but they were unable to reach the men due to an active crack in the ice and 15-to-20 feet of open water. Authorities provided guidance and an AED to the good Samaritans that were assisting.  

The Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office Amphibious Rescue Craft was eventually able to transport the driver and passenger back to shore. They were then taken to a local hospital. Life-saving measures were performed on the 67-year-old, but he was later pronounced deceased at the hospital. The driver was treated for hypothermic related symptoms.  

Authorities say the driver and passenger were wearing their seat belts, but did not have helmets or flotation devices. They note that unfamiliarity with the active crack, which was marked with downed Christmas trees, appears to be a factor in the crash.