Milford man drowns after breaking through ice

INDIAN PURCHASE TOWNSHIP — A Milford Man drowned on Dec. 8 after breaking through the ice on Quakish Lake in T3 Indian Purchase Township.

Walter Demmons, 62 Milford, and a friend were preparing to ice fish on Quakish Lake during the morning. The two of them were checking the ice thickness by drilling holes through the ice on Quakish Lake at about 9:30 a.m. when they heard the ice crack. The two ice spread out in an attempt to not break through, but the ice broke, and both fell into the water about 75 yards from shore.

They were communicating with each other as they tried to get out of the water and back onto the ice, but Demmons suddenly said he was not going to make it and his friend saw him submerge beneath the water surface, and never come back up. The friend was able to eventually get out of the water and call 911.

Game wardens, the Millinocket Fire Department, and the Brownville Fire Department all responded to the scene, and Warden Bob Johansen and the Brownville Fire Department were able to use an Ice Rescue Raft to retrieve Demmons from the water, who was then transported to Lamson Funeral Home in Millinocket. His friend was transported to Millinocket Regional Hospital by Millinocket Rescue and was treated for hypothermia and released.

Game wardens are urging caution to anyone venturing out on the ice, and reminding everyone to check ice conditions frequently if you are heading out onto the ice. Early season ice conditions can be treacherous.  For more information regarding Ice safety, Please visit Winter Ice Safety Tips at https://www.maine.gov/ifw/fishing-boating/fishing/ice-safety-tips.html.