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A tragic accident occurred on Sunday (January 12) at Great Sacandaga Lake in Mayfield, where one person died after falling through the ice. According to authorities, two individuals were riding a utility task vehicle near Chupka Road when the ice gave way, plunging them into the frigid waters.
Bystanders, including two fishermen, quickly responded to the scene. They managed to pull both individuals from the water, but one was unresponsive. Emergency responders performed CPR before transporting the victim to Saint Mary's Hospital, where they were pronounced dead. The other individual was unharmed.
Fulton County Sheriff Richard Giardino emphasized the dangers of venturing onto the ice, stating that its thickness is unpredictable. He urged the public to stay off the ice until it becomes safer. The sheriff's office, along with New York State Police, is investigating the incident.
This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the potential hazards associated with winter activities on frozen bodies of water. Sheriff Giardino advised, "Until the ice thickens, we recommend you stay off the ice."