Tragic UTV Ice Accident on Pewaukee Lake Serves as a Warning
January 30, 2025

Remso W. Martinez

A 61-year-old man tragically lost his life after his UTV fell through the ice on Pewaukee Lake near Lakeside Road on Saturday.

According to TMJ4, the Waukesha County Sheriff’s Department confirmed the incident, which prompted a swift response from Lake Country Fire and Rescue (LCFR).

Emergency crews were dispatched shortly after 3 p.m. after bystanders called for help, reporting that they had lost sight of both the man and his vehicle beneath the ice. First responders arrived quickly and entered the freezing water equipped with ice rescue suits, but the depth of the lake made it impossible to locate the victim immediately.

Around 3:45 p.m., scuba divers joined the search and found the man, pulling him to the surface after approximately 37 minutes underwater.

“We watched them pull one body out, and after that, we were like, we are going to walk away,” said Jacob Miller, who had been ice fishing nearby.

Despite paramedics performing CPR and rushing the victim to a local hospital, he was pronounced dead. At the time of the accident, dozens of people were ice fishing on the lake, many attending a fundraiser or enjoying their weekend tradition.

Residents expressed shock and sorrow over the tragedy. “This community is so great. Anybody would help anybody,” said local ice fisher Cindy Holzem. “It has to be a terrible accident because I don’t think anyone challenges the ice if you’re an ice fisher.”

LCFR and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources are reminding the public that “no ice is safe ice” and urging extreme caution when venturing onto frozen lakes, even in frigid temperatures.

View More Sports Articles

Everything to Know About Super Bowl LIX

Everything to Know About Super Bowl LIX

The Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs are set to face off for Super Bowl LIX. The game is set to be held on Sunday, February 9th at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. It is scheduled to air at 5:30 p.m. CT on Fox. This previous Sunday, the teams slated...

Admirals to Honor Bob Uecker

Admirals to Honor Bob Uecker

The Milwaukee Admirals have announced their plans to honor the legacy of Wisconsin legend, Bob Uecker. Admirals President Jon Greenberg expressed his sadness over losing Uecker on behalf of the organization. In a statement, Greenberg said that the Admirals efforts to...

Lake Country DockHounds to Host Chili Cook Off

Lake Country DockHounds to Host Chili Cook Off

Amidst the frigid weather in Wisconsin this week, the Lake Country DockHounds have announced a chili and soup cook off on Saturday, March 15. The ticketed event will allow guests to sample various warm soups and chilis, then cast their vote for their favorite. The...

NFL Star Zack Baun Purchases Home in Brookfield

NFL Star Zack Baun Purchases Home in Brookfield

Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Zack Baun and his wife, Ali, have purchased a stunning 5,500-square-foot home in Brookfield, Wisconsin, for approximately $1 million. The luxurious four-bedroom property, previously owned by Susan G. Lewis, marks a significant purchase...