One deceased after vehicle goes through the ice

Lake Bemidji, Bemidji, MN –December 25, 2021: At approximately 5:30 PM, December 24, 2021, the Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office 911 Emergency Communications Center received a report of a vehicle going through the ice on Lake Bemidji, near Diamond Point Park.

Upon the arrival of rescue personnel they found that an adult female was able to get out of the water on her own and was immediately transported by emergency personnel to Sanford Bemidji Emergency Department for treatment. An adult male from the vehicle was recovered from the water by a Bemidji Fire Department Firefighter wearing a cold water immersion suit and Beltrami County Deputies and was transported by ambulance to Sanford Bemidji Emergency Department. Live saving efforts were performed and the subject was further transported to Sanford in Fargo. The male would later be pounced deceased.

The area where the vehicle went through the ice is located adjacent to the Bemidji State University Campus in 8-10 feet of water. The location has been barricaded. The ice in the area is unstable, much like many areas lakes. Deputies estimate that 4-5 inches of ice was found at the location.

The Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by Bemidji Fire Department, Bemidji Police Department, and Bemidji Ambulance Service.

No additional information is available at this time.

Sheriff Ernie Beitel

Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office