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Authorities have identified the man who died after falling into the Great Sacandaga Lake in Mayfield as 37-year-old William "Billy" Gifford. The incident occurred on Sunday (January 12) when Gifford was riding a utility task vehicle (UTV) on the ice with a passenger. The UTV broke through the ice, plunging both individuals into the frigid water. Bystanders managed to rescue them, but Gifford was unresponsive when pulled out. He was transported to St. Mary's Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. The passenger escaped without injury.
Gifford, a resident of Gloversville, leaves behind a fiancée, two young children, and a stepson. His cousin, Aaron Tubbs, shared that they were planning to celebrate Gifford's birthday next week. Tubbs recalled their shared love for fishing, a tradition they had enjoyed since childhood. "Billy was one of those that, didn't matter, he defied all odds," Tubbs said to 10 News ABC, reflecting on Gifford's resilience after losing his father at age 11.
The tragedy unfolded during a family ice fishing trip, their first in three years due to safety concerns. Fulton County Sheriff Richard Giardino noted that ice-related incidents are common in the area during winter. He cautioned the public about the dangers of ice heaves, which can cause unpredictable cracks in the ice.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to support Gifford's family with expenses. Tubbs expressed his commitment to supporting Gifford's children and fiancée, saying, "I'll always have his kids and his fiancée. We'll always make sure they're okay."