On January 6, 2024, a tragic incident occurred involving two brothers ice fishing on Basswood Pond in Burlington, Otsego County, Upstate New York. The youngest of the two, aged 41, tragically lost his life after the pair fell through the pond’s dangerously thin ice, which was reported to be only one inch thick. The brothers hailed from Richfield Springs, New York. The incident took place when they ventured onto the icy pond, unaware of the potential risk they were facing.
The accident was witnessed by a local resident walking their dog, who promptly alerted emergency services. Forest Ranger Nate Laymon, who was nearby, responded to the emergency call immediately. The details of the incident reveal a desperate rescue operation.
Upon reaching the scene, Laymon discovered the 42-year-old brother fighting for his life in the frigid waters. Laymon, equipped with a wet suit, crawled onto the ice towards the struggling man. Using a throw bag and a rope, he managed to pull the man out of the water. By 2:55 p.m., the older brother was safely on solid ground and was quickly transported to the Edmeston Fire Department using a sled, suffering from hypothermia.
The attention of the rescue operation then turned to the younger brother, who was no longer visible. Laymon spotted a red, white, and black reflective coat submerged in seven to eight feet of water, recognizing it as the missing man’s ‘Polaris’ brand snowmobile jacket. The younger brother was pulled from the water around 3:05 p.m., but despite the best efforts of the rescuers and EMTs performing CPR, he was pronounced dead later that evening at a local hospital.
The rescue operation involved around 20 to 30 personnel from various departments, including the fire department and the state police. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) shared a video of the rescue effort on their social media channels, showcasing the severity of the incident.
This tragic event has sparked discussions around the safety of ice fishing, particularly during periods of unstable weather that can result in thin ice. Following the incident, the DEC stressed the importance of checking ice conditions and being prepared for potential emergencies when participating in winter outdoor activities.
