Maine Man Dies After ATV Falls Through Ice

This story serves as a tragic reminder that because of all the warm weather we have been having, the ice on Maine's ponds and lakes is, in a lot of places, not safe to walk or drive on.

According to WABI, an 88-year old man has passed away following a side-by-side ATV accident.  The article explains that on Friday evening, Floyd Hardison of Waltham had been fishing with family on Spring River Lake.

He was in an ATV driven by his adult grandson.  They were making their way back to the shore.  At just over 1,000 feet from the shoreline, the vehicle went through the ice.

The grandson was able to get himself out of the vehicle and onto the ice.  Unfortunately, Floyd Hardison was not able to get out, and the vehicle sank to the bottom of the lake with him still on board.

The article goes on to explain that Harbison's body was recovered from water that was about ten feet deep.

Our thoughts go out to all those involved in this tragedy.

How thick does ice need to be to safely drive an ATV on?

According to the Tousley Motorsports website, it depends on how large the vehicle is.

The ice needs to be at least a half-foot thick in order to ride a snowmobile or small ATV on.

If you are driving a larger ATV like a side-by-side, you are going to want to make sure the ice is at least eight inches thick.  However, it is best if the ice is at least a foot thick.