Multiple Agencies Respond to Fatal Snowmobile Incident in Schoolcraft County

At approximately 6:35pm on 2/21/24, Negaunee Regional Dispatch received a 911 call from a person who observed a snowmobile go through the ice approximately 1 mile off the south shore of Indian Lake. The snowmobile was carrying two teenage males when it went through the ice. Family members in the area were able to get to the scene, however also ended up in the water. Area law enforcement, EMS, and Fire Departments were immediately sent to the scene including Manistique Public Safety, Sault Tribal Police, Schoolcraft County Sheriffs Dept, DNR, Thompson Township Fire and troopers from Manistique and Gladstone. The two family members who ran out to save the teens along with one of the occupants were eventually pulled from the water by MPSD and Sault Tribal PD officers. These three individuals were transported to Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital where they were treated for hypothermia and later released. The driver of the sled was unable to be located during this time. The Delta County Sheriff’s Dept Dive Team assisted at the scene and eventually located the driver at approximately 1:06am (2/22/24). The driver, a 15-year-old male, was pronounced deceased at the scene. This incident remains under investigation.