Crime & Safety

UPDATE: Snowmobiler Dies After Falling Through Ice on St. Croix River

A 22-year-old man died today after his snowmobile went through the ice on the St. Croix River in Bayport.

UPDATED (4 p.m., Feb. 16, 2013): A 22-year-old man died today after his snowmobile went through the ice on the St. Croix River in Bayport.

The man, who law enforcement has not yet identified, was unconscious when first responders arrived. He was transported by ambulance to Regions Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The Ramsey County Medical Examiners Office and the Washington County Sheriff's Office are conducting the investigation. No additional information is available at this time.

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UPDATE (1:42 p.m., Feb. 16, 2013): According to Washington County Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy Daniel Starry, just one snowmobiler — not two as originally reported by some media — went through the ice. 

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Starry said a witness called in the report at 11:54 a.m., and multiple agencies, including the Washington County Dive Team, reported to the scene. One unconscious man was pulled from the water and taken to Regions Hospital in St. Paul.

It appears the snowmobiler rode through open water about 75 yards off the shore, near Point Road in Bayport, Starry said.

"It's always open water there, and there are signs all over," Starry said. "I mean, he went right past the signs."

The incident remains under investigation.

The Washington County Sheriff's Office, along with the Stillwater, Oak Park Heights and Bayport police departments, the Washington County Dive Team and Bayport Fire Department responded to the scene.

First responders got the air boat to the scene pretty quick, Starry said.

"Everyone should heed the warning signs be careful out on the ice, especially on the St. Croix River, but also on all the lakes in the county," Starry said.  

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ORIGINAL POST (12:55 p.m., Feb. 16, 2013): Two snowmobilers broke through St. Croix River ice near Bayport just before noon today.

The snowmobiler has been pulled out of the river.

The snowmobiler reportedly went through the ice about 75 yards off the shore, near Point Road in Bayport, according to the Washington County Sheriff's Office. The dive team responded to the scene.

According to the scanner, warm water feeds into the river near the Allen S. King power plant, which may have weakened the ice.

We'll update this story as more information is made available.


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