Startling Number Of Deaths This Year Prompts Warning In Wisconsin

Sadly, each year there are preventable deaths that happen in Wisconsin, which prompts state officials to remind the public about safety.

That's why you continue to see and hear warnings about the dangers of drinking and driving, drinking and boating, and being cautious while heading out onto the ice during the winter.

With winter here, the focus now is safety on off-highway vehicles and snowmobiles after a startling number of deaths have already been reported this year, most of which involved riding on ice.

Wisconsin DNR Issues Public Warning

Recently, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources issued a public ice safety warning after a troubling start to 2025. This comes after several tragic incidents occurred last year in Wisconsin, including:

• A 65-year-old angler from Kewaunee died after breaking through thin ice on the Kewaunee River.
• An 87-year-old man: Died after breaking through ice on lower Green Bay near Suamico.
• An ice fisherman: Died after falling through ice while riding a UTV on Lawrence Lake in Marquette County.
• Two boys: Died after falling through ice on a Madison-area pond.

Get our free mobile app

The recent warning focused on snowmobilers and ATV/UTV riders after DNR wardens reported several incidents of recreational vehicles going through the ice throughout the state.

The DNR's 2025 fatal crash reporting reflects six fatal off-highway vehicle incidents already this year. Four out of those six incidents involved UTVs going through the ice. There has also been one ice-related snowmobile fatality.

With sturgeon spearing recently beginning in Wisconsin, while other popular fishing activities continue on lakes, it is extremely important to keep safety at the forefront and remember that no ice is 100% safe.

The DNR offers the following important safety tips when operating recreational vehicles during winter:

• Remember, UTVs are heavy. They are the heaviest recreational vehicles on the ice, often weighing close to 3,000 pounds, similar to a car or truck.
• Have a plan in case you do go through the ice.
• Roll your window down when traveling on the ice, and make sure you can easily open your door. Drive slowly and turn the radio down so that you can use your eyes and ears to watch for potential issues.
• Make sure you have life jackets or some other type of floatation for every occupant of the UTV.
• This may not be the year to explore new locations – stick to known areas that typically have better ice conditions.
• The DNR does not monitor ice conditions. Local fishing clubs, outfitters, and bait shops are the best sources for local current ice conditions.
• Never consume alcohol or drugs before or during your ride.
• Carry a cell phone, and let people know where you are going and when you’ll return home.
• Watch for pressure ridges or ice buckling. These can be dangerous due to thin ice and open water.

SEE NOW: 50 Kinds Of Pop Now Discontinued, But Not Forgotten In Wisconsin

It's also important to note that the recovery for the UTV or other vehicle is the responsibility of the owner/operator and recovery rates for the machine can also be very expensive. After 30 days, the owner can be fined every single day.