Brothers Die After Falling Through Ice

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Island Lake, Kalkaska (from hybrid imagery)

compiled from several sources

Two brothers died this past weekend after falling through the ice on Island Lake southwest of Kalkaska, Michigan. They were 22 and 13 years old. A third boy, aged 14, managed to crawl back onto solid ice and call for help. But it was too late to save the boy and the young man. The 22-year-old was found quickly and taken to the hospital, but was not able to be revived. His younger brother was found the next morning in about 8 feet of water.

This is surely a tragedy for the families involved.

It also provides a good opportunity to remind us all of ice safety, espcially since winter seems to have come early to West Michigan.

Your safety is your responsibility! These tips are from the Michigan DNR:
• There is not a reliable "inch-thickness" to determine if ice is safe.
• You can test ice thickness and quality using a spud, needle bar or auger.
• Strongest ice: clear with bluish tint.
• Weak ice: ice formed by melted and refrozen snow. Appears milky.
• Stay off ice with slush on top. Slush ice is only half as strong as clear ice and indicates the ice is not freezing from the bottom.
• If there’s ice on the lake but water around the shoreline, be extra cautious.

See more ice safety tips from the Michigan DNR
See news article about the drownings at UpNorth Live


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based on news from MSNBC

A Chassel, Michigan man, John Wallace, was mauled to death in Yellowstone Park in August. The bear was euthanized on October 3 because it has been linked to another bear fatality in July of this year.

Yellowstone officials say that the July attack was explainable, because the bear- a mother with cubs- was surprised by hikers, who ran when the bear confronted them. However, with the same bear being linked by DNA to the August attack, the decision was made to eliminate that bear.

There is about one bear injury for every 3 million human visits to Yellowstone Park, which means there is an incident about once a year. However there were none in 2010.

Visitors from the east, who are used to black bears, would do well to study up on the differences in how you should respond to grizzlies. In either case, running is the worst possible choice because it provokes the bear's chase response.



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Hudsonville Hiker Dies in New Hampshire

Wilfred Chalut (photo from obituary notice)

based various news stories, and the obituary

Will Chalut, age 64, of Hudsonville, MI, is described by friends as fun-loving and generous, but he died October 1, in a tragic accident in the White Mountains of New Hampshire.

Chalut was hiking Friday afternoon in Waterville Valley, along Sabbaday Falls on the Swift River. It was raining, and the trails were slick. He slipped into the river, and was carried out of sight by the current.

Fish and Game Department spokesman, Lt. Jim Goss, reported that they were unable to find the man, but his body was recovered the following day, caught in brush near the middle of the river.

Fox 17 News spoke with Chalut's son who said, "The fact that he was enjoying life to its fullest when he died is the only comfort we have in this moment of profound shock and tragedy."

See Hudsonville Man Dies In New Hampshire
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Deadly Summer on Lake Michigan

Lake Michigan (photo by JHY)

by JHY

This past year has been unusually dangerous for swimmers and boaters on Lake Michigan. The Coast Guard reporting year runs from October 1 to Sept 30, and during the period just ending there were 66 drownings.

This includes rivers and tributaries which feed the lake, in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Illinois. Since October 1, there have been an additional two drownings in Ludington. Charles Wolfson, US Coast Guard civilian search and rescue coordinator stated that the usual number of deaths per year is closer to 40.

Ten of the deaths have been attributed to rip currents raised on windy days. Many adults seem to feel that the warning flags pertain to children, but not to them, reported Ottawa County sheriff's Sgt. Keith Koeman. Most officials agree that part of the cause is the high temperatures, which enticed many people into the big lake, when they were unfamiliar with its dangers.

Coast Guard Petty Officer Lauren Jorgensen said, "People think of Lake Michigan as a lake, but they should really be thinking about it like an ocean. Conditions can deteriorate very quickly."

The National Weather service reported that the number of high-risk days for rip currents this summer was 42 from June through August, while last year the number was 43. Their conclusion is that the key factor must be something other than rip currents.

No matter the causes, anyone who ventures into or out on Lake Michigan needs to consider the special risks in a large body of water.

See Manistee Drowning- What You Should Do in a Rip Current
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First Michigan Human Rabies Death Since 1983

Electron micrograph of the Rabies Virus (photo by CDC, public domain)

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based on a report from UpNorthLive.com

Few details are being released, but Region #10 Department of public health has reported that a man has died from rabies. This is the first known human death from the virus in Michigan since 1983. Region #10 covers Crawford, Kalkaska, Lake, Manistee, Mason, Mecosta, Missaukee, Newaygo, Oceana and Wexford Counties, so one can assume that the death occurred in this area.

The disease was contracted by contact with a bat, although it has not been stated whether the man was actually bitten. Bats are the most frequent carriers of the virus in Michigan, although fewer than 1% of the animals are infected. Other common carriers are foxes, skunks, raccoons and coyotes.

Only 55 cases of rabies have been diagnosed in the United States since 1990. By the time symptoms appear in a human, the virus has probably reached the brain, and no treatment is possible. However, if contact is made with a wild animal that is acting strangely, one should always seek treatment immediately so that vaccine can be administered in time to prevent the disease from spreading, and ultimate death. Infected animals may lose their fear of humans, act aggressively or in an agitated manner. They may drool or be unsteady on their feet if the disease has progressed.

The virus is transmitted through the saliva of the infected animal. If one is bitten by a wild animal one should wash the wound with soap and water, and seek medical attention. If possible, the animal should be captured and tested. If bitten, also call the local health department and animal control office.

See rabies information from the Michigan DNR.
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Canoe Accident on Kalmazoo River

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based on news from WWMT Channel 3

A 69-year-old Gobles man died today while canoeing the Kalamazoo River. David and Marilyn Barber were canoeing the Kalamazoo River today, when the canoe tipped, sending them both into the water. Marilyn called 911, and the Fennville Fire Department was summoned.

The site was remote enough that GPS location had to be used to find the canoeists. Marilyn Barber had been able to pull her husband to shore, but he was not breathing. Barber is reported to have had an underlying medical condition, but it is not known at this time if that contributed to his death.

See Kayaker Rescued with Use of Cell Phone
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Belmont Man Dies Hiking in Colorado

based on a news article in the Chicago Tribune

A Belmont, Michigan, man died while hiking near Vail, Colorado.

57-year-old Patrick O'Brien was hiking with his son in the mountains when he died of heart disease. An autopsy was performed by the Eagle County (Colorado) coroner's office. The sheriff's office is not investigating the death, saying it was totally due to natural causes.

Father and son were only about a half-mile from the trailhead at the time of the death.
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Ski Deaths in Michigan Very Few

based on a news article in the On the Snow Newsletter, "Girl's Ski Slope Death One Of Very Few In Michigan," by Mike Terrell, Jan 16, 2009

Although it is always a tragedy when someone dies skiing, very few such deaths occur each year. Mark Doman, a member of the Michigan Ski Safety Board, says that there has been an average of two per year over the past three years. That matches the national rate, Doman confirmed. There were three ski related accidental deaths three years ago, one during the 2006/2007 season, and two last year.

The National Ski Areas Association statistics show that skiing and snowboarding related deaths are much lower than for other activities such as swimming and bicycling. Snowmobile accidents are much higher. Each winter 20-30 people die from a snowmobiling related accident in Michigan alone.

See Indiana Girl Dies in Ski Accident at Treetops
See Norton Shores Teen Dies in UP Skiing Accident
See Grand Rapids Skier Dies on the Trail
See 28 Year Old Man Dies in Snowboarding Accident on Mt. Hood
See Canton Township Girl Dies in Ski Accident at Schuss Mountain
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Indiana Girl Dies in Ski Accident at Treetops

Amanda Vignere (courtesy photo)

from a news release of 9 & 10 News

Sixteen-year-old Amanda Vignere died in a ski accident Thursday at Treetops Resort, Gaylord, Michigan. She was skiing with friends from a church youth group of Cedar Lake, Indiana.

Police say that the novice skier was attempting an advanced-level slope. She lost control and struck her head on a tree as she slid into a wooden barrier. Amanda was not wearing a helmet. Michigan does not require their use.

Helmets can help in situations like this, but they are not a guarantee of safety. Skiing is an inherently dangerous sport, and it is the responsibility of the skier to make good decisions which will minimize risk.

The Michigan State Police were called to the scene. Vegnere was transported to the hospital where she died. An autopsy was performed Friday.

Treetops General Manager Mike Fernandez said, "Our thoughts and prayers certainly go out to the family of this young lady involved last night."

Related Stories
Grand Rapids Skier Dies on the Trail
Girl's Death Raises Ski Slope Design Questions
Canton Township Girl Dies in Ski Accident at Schuss Mountain
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Norton Shores Teen Dies in UP Skiing Accident

An 18-year-old Michigan Tech student died Friday in a skiing accident at Mount Ripley in the Upper Peninsula.

Robert W. Smith, of Norton Shores, was skiing at Mont Ripley, Michigan Tech University's ski area. He apparently lost control and hit a tree. Smith was transported to Portage Health System in Houghton, where he was pronounced dead.

Smith was a mechanical engineering major, an experienced skier and a member of the University's ski team club.

The University President, Glenn Mroz expressed his sympathy and announced that grief counseling will be provided.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

from WOOD TV, "Norton Shores college student dies in skiing accident", Feb 3, 2008
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Grand Rapids Skier Dies on the Trail

Marc Gmiter

Marc Gmiter set out Saturday afternoon for a quick cross-country ski outing in the Cannonsburg State Game Area despite cold temperatures. Gmiter was an experienced outdoorsman.

But when he did not return for supper, his family became worried and summoned police. Three teams of Grand Rapids Police searched, using snowmobiles, ATVs and Mid-Michigan Working Dogs. The temperatures were near zero.

Gmiter's body was found early the following morning along a ski trail just south of 5 Mile Road. An autopsy is scheduled. Foul play is not suspected, but rather a sudden medical condition, which was unspecified.

the 57-year-old Grand Rapids man is reported to have been fit and active. He worked as a sales rep for outdoor clothing and sports gear companies.

from theGrand Rapids Press, "Ailment suspected in skier's death", Jan 21, 2008
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Ice Skating Trip Turns Tragic - An Historic Saga

The following is an excerpt from a story which we believe is worthy of reading, but would lose too much of its charm if it were re-written for presentation on this blog. Please link through for the rest of the story, but hurry back! ... Editor

by James Mann

"On the morning of Jan. 9, 1908, the family of 10-year-old Albert Hosner was moving from their home at 306 Oak St. to their new house at 845 Ann St. Albert left the house on Oak Street with a pet chicken under one arm, and a pair of ice skates over his shoulder.

At about 9 a.m. Flora Walker saw Albert walking down the Lake Shore railroad tracks. He was walking toward the bayou where it joins the Huron River behind the Ypsilanti Hay Press factory. The Hay Press factory was on Forest Avenue across the street from the Michigan Ladder Co.

Albert's mother and the rest of the family arrived at the new home at about noon. The chicken was in its coop, but there was no trace of Albert... "

finish the story at the Ann Arbor News - see FAIR USE notice.
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28-Year-Old Michigan Man Dies Snowboarding Mt. Hood

Eric McConeghy

Eric McConeghy of Howell, Michigan, lost control during a snowboard jump and fell head first into a tree well in deep powder snow. He was buried to his waist. Friends tried to pull him out, but McConeghy suffocated as they struggled to free him.

The accident occurred at Mount Hood Meadows Ski Resort. An emergency rescue crew pulled McConeghy out after 15 minutes. He had stopped breathing, and the team applied CPR for nearly two hours but were not successful in reviving the man.

McConeghy is a 1997 graduate of Brighton High School. Services will be held in Brighton starting Wednesday.

McConeghy is the second person to die this year in an accident on Mount Hood.

from MLive, "Snowboarder who grew up in Mich. dies after fall in Oregon", Dec 29, 2007
from WZZM TV, "Michigan Man Dies on Mount Hood", Dec 29, 2007
from WOOD TV, "Michigan man dies in snowboarding accident", Dec 29, 2007
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Canton Township Girl Dies in Ski Accident at Schuss Mountain

A 13-year-old girl from Canton Township, Michigan died as the result of head injuries in a skiing accident on Christmas day.

The Antrim County Sheriff's Department said that the girl went off a ski slope and struck a retaining wall. She was not wearing a helmet. Serious head trauma resulted. The girl was pronounced dead at Kalkaska Memorial Hospital.

A group of snowboarders discovered the accident and summoned help. The resort's ski patrol responded and emergency crews transported the victim to Kalkaska.

Jon Stultz, vice-president of sales and marketing for Shanty Creek Resorts, said that he was not aware of any previous fatalities at Schuss Mountain. "Our heart goes out to the family in this very tragic incident," he added.

from The Detroit News, "Canton Township girl, 13, killed in northern lower Michigan ski resort", by Paul Egan, Dec 25, 2007
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