Six-Year-Old Boy's Heroic Trek in Freezing Cold After Father's Ice Fishing Tragedy
In a heartbreaking incident that highlights both tragedy and extraordinary courage, a six-year-old boy braved sub-zero temperatures to walk nearly two miles for help after his father and a family friend fell through ice on an upstate New York pond and later died.
Details of the Chaumont Pond Incident
According to New York State Police, the devastating event occurred on Sunday evening, January 18, just before 8 p.m., at Chaumont Pond in St. Lawrence County. Authorities initially responded to reports of individuals riding a snowmobile that had broken through the ice.
Investigators determined that Bryan P. LaPlante, 33, his six-year-old son, and family friend Michael J. Booth, 48, had been ice fishing on the pond. While returning from their fishing expedition, their snowmobile unexpectedly broke through the thin ice, plunging all three into the frigid waters.
A Father's Final Act of Love
Family members revealed to the New York Post that in his final moments, Bryan LaPlante managed to lift his young son out of the dangerous, icy water but was tragically unable to save himself. Before succumbing to the freezing conditions, he gave his son crucial instructions that would ultimately save the boy's life.
The father told his son to walk toward his grandmother's house and call 911, offering simple yet profound guidance: "follow the moon" to find his way through the darkness and freezing conditions.
The Boy's Courageous Journey
The six-year-old followed his father's instructions exactly, embarking on a nearly two-mile trek through the bitter cold. Battling freezing temperatures and darkness, the child persevered until he reached his grandfather, Patrick R. LaPlante, 51.
Upon hearing the devastating news, Patrick immediately rushed back to the pond in an attempt to rescue the two men. Tragically, during his rescue attempt, Patrick also fell through the ice. Although he managed to pull himself out of the water, he lost sight of both Bryan LaPlante and Michael Booth in the dark, icy pond.
Tragic Outcome Despite Rescue Efforts
State police and rescue crews later located Bryan LaPlante and Michael Booth unresponsive in the pond. Despite immediate and extensive lifesaving efforts by emergency responders, both men were pronounced dead at Gouverneur Hospital.
The six-year-old boy and his grandfather received medical treatment for hypothermia at Clifton-Fine Hospital and were later released, physically recovering from their ordeal but undoubtedly facing emotional trauma from the tragic events.
Family's Heartbreaking Response
Bryan LaPlante's sister later expressed the family's grief and pride on Facebook, writing that her brother "died saving his son." She called everyone involved in the incident heroes and specifically praised the young boy's incredible courage in making the dangerous journey home to seek help.
An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the ice fishing tragedy remains ongoing as authorities work to understand exactly how the snowmobile broke through the ice and whether any additional factors contributed to the fatal incident.
This devastating story serves as a poignant reminder of both the dangers of winter activities on frozen bodies of water and the extraordinary resilience that can emerge even in the most tragic circumstances, particularly through the courageous actions of a young child following his father's final instructions.
