CASS LAKE — The Cass County Sheriff’s Office identified the 82-year-old man who died Friday, Jan. 5, after breaking through the ice with an all-terrain vehicle on Pike Bay.
Thomas Steele of Bemidji was the victim in the incident, with ATV passenger Mark Jacobson of Bemidji also needing rescue from the frigid waters.
Witnesses fishing nearby Friday pulled Steele from the water and attempted lifesaving efforts. Responders transported him by airboat and then ambulance to the Cass Lake Indian Services Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Jacobson was treated at the scene.
Sheriff Bryan Welk reported ice conditions on Pike Bay and several area lakes are still extremely unsafe due to recent warm weather, wind and rain.
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