Resident dies near Lost Dog

Editor's note: This story was updated to include information about the cancelation of the Burbot Bash, which was not made available until after the physical edition was published.

This story was changed to reflect corrections to comments attributed to Joe Skorupski of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department about fishermen exploring new ice after dark. They should not, as it can be a very dangerous activity because ice conditions can change a short distance away from the ice a fisherman walked in on. The Star apologizes for the error.

A 61-year-old fisherman died after falling through the ice near Lost Dog, Monday afternoon.

The Sweetwater County Sheriff's Office identified John M. Henderson of Green River as the fisherman Tuesday evening. Henderson was recovered late Tuesday morning by members of the Sweetwater County Dive Team. His body was located roughly 100 yards from the western bank, at a depth of 38 feet.

According to Green River Fire Chief Mike Kennedy, the initial call for service was issued at 2 p.m., with the department sending five members of its ice rescue team to the scene. The sheriff's office, along with Castle Rock Ambulance Service and Sweetwater Medics from Rock Springs also responded.

According to a media release from the sheriff's office, two unidentified men were in the area working to retrieve an ATV that had fallen through the ice. The two reported hearing Henderson call for help after they shut off the chainsaws they were using to cut though the ice. They attempted to rescue Henderson with some rope, but were unsuccessful. The release states the two men retrieved a canoe from their vehicle to rescue Henderson, but he had disappeared before they were able to do so. Henderson was fishing alone when he fell through.

The release blames the warmer weather experienced throughout the area as a contributing factor in the unsafe ice conditions around the Flaming Gorge and ice fishermen have reported seeing old ice at fishing spots in Sweetwater County. Mark Kott, an employee with Sweetwater County, said he noticed cloudy ice while fishing south of Sage Creek during the weekend. Old ice, which has clouded over during periods of thawing and refreezing, is structurally weaker than newer, clear ice formations. Information on the Wyoming Game and Fish Department's website, originally posted in 2012, states air bubbles can become trapped in cloudy ice and recommends fishing from such formations at least eight inches thick. Clear ice is stronger, with the recommended thickness for clear ice to be at least four inches.

Citing concerns about warmer weather and deteriorating ice, the Flaming Gorge Chamber of Commerce released a statement Wednesday afternoon canceling the Burbot Bash fishing derby. The statement said the decision was made after receiving input from partner agencies regarding ice safety. Refunds will be provided to those who already paid entry fees and the chamber plans to host the fishing derby in 2016.

In a press release issued last week, Joe Skorupski, Green River Fisheries Biologist for the Wyoming Game and Fish Department said fishermen should join up in groups and inform others of their destination and expected arrival time. He also said fishermen should check the strength and thickness of the ice with an auger or bar several times a day, especially if a group crosses a large portion of ice.

Skorupski also said fishermen should fish from one safe location throughout the day and not explore new areas after dark as ice conditions could be completely different a short distance away from the ice an angler walked in on. Finally, Skorupski said fishermen shouldn't drive vehicles on the ice and recommends everyone carry ice picks attached to a rope as a rescue device if someone does fall through.