Snowmobiler killed in fall through Wisconsin lake ice

Last update: December 10, 2008 - 8:36 PM

A snowmobiler who fell through the ice and died in Wisconsin on Tuesday was likely the first such incident for the state this winter.

Wayne Haughian, 50, was found about 11:40 a.m. Wednesday in Bear Lake in Barron County, Wis. He was reported missing about 4 p.m. Tuesday. Authorities located snowmobile tracks that led to open water on the lake.

Rescue crews and a dive team began a water search for him at 8 a.m. Wednesday.

Haughian is likely the first Wisconsin snowmobiler to die this winter from falling through the ice, said DNR warden Russell Fell.

"We never recommend going on ice," said Barron County Sheriff's Chief Deputy Jason Leu. "The thickness varies all over the lake."

CHAO XIONG

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