Groomer Falls Through the Ice in Milton, NH

As you all know, we had the Milton Winter Carnival drags/radar runs today. All went without a hitch. Afterward we were taking down the track and pushing the snow bankings out. 

All of a sudden, WITHOUT WARNING, our club Tucker went through the ice and sank, drag and all. We all got to the scene within 20-30 seconds and started looking into the hole through the ice chunks for anyone coming up. 

Then we saw a hand pop up out of the water through the ice and we grabbed it. We pulled him out of the water, and we stripped most of his clothes off and covered him with all of our jackets. 

Luckily, there was no one else in the groomer. It went down in about 30 feet of water. It was the most surreal thing I have ever seen in my life...Seeing that hand with a wedding ring on it grasp up through the ice. 

He was actually able to walk to the ambulance. He said the windows were open in the groomer, and he tried to get out one, but couldn't. It filled with water quickly, so he could open the door. Then he just looked for the light.

We are going to try to lift it out of the lake tomorrow with Dive Winnipesaukee, who has air bags to lift it with, after they detach the drag.

NEVER, NEVER be complacent on the ice. There was over a foot, and it still went through. Keep this in mind as you work to keep our trails their best. Take a moment to reflect on how many times we have put ourselves in this type of situation, and ask yourself if it's really worth it.