Unknown Male Perishes in Ice Mishap

Manitoulin OPP are looking for the public's help in identifying a man who died after falling through the ice on his ATV.

OPP NEWS RELEASE

(Manitoulin, Ont.) – On Sunday April 2, 2006 at approximately 6:00 AM, a male was operating a green All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) on the ice about 200 meters off the shore from Maple Point, in Billings Township, about 40 kms west of Little Current. The male was traveling alone on his ATV when it plunged through the ice along with the operator. At approximately 6:30 AM, a resident of Maple Point was awakened by the male’s cries for help and called the Billings & Aundeck Omni Kaaning Fire Depts., along with the Manitoulin OPP for assistance.

The Search and Rescue coordination center was notified and they were able to dispatch a helicopter from the United States Coast Guard to assist. When rescuers arrived on the scene, sadly the male had succumbed to the icy water. He was later pronounced dead by the coroner.

Manitoulin OPP are asking for the public’s assistance as the identity of the deceased man is unknown. He is described as a male in his late twenties or early thirties, approximately 5’ 9” tall, 160 lbs with dark hair and brown eyes. He was wearing dark pants and a blue sweater jacket. He was driving a green coloured ATV, make unknown at this time. Please call Manitoulin OPP (705) 368-2200 1-888-310-1122 with any possible information regarding the identity of this person.

The OPP Underwater Search & Recovery Unit has been called to attend to retrieve the submerged ATV. The investigation is continuing and the investigating officer is Sgt. Richard Rusticus.