Fish and game officials warn of ice dangers after 3 deaths in one weekend

WESTBOROUGH, Mass. — After a weekend when seven snowmobiles went through the ice and three people were killed, many people are concerned about dangerous conditions.

David Crosier, 63, was an executive vice president of New Balance who lived in Westborough. His family is devastated after his snowmobile went through the ice on Lake Winnipesaukee.

Crosier was with an area of the lake called "The Broads" near Moultonborough, N.H. with two friends to check out the leaderboard at the Meredith Fishing Derby when he fell through. Marc O'Connell, 62, of Moultonborough also died, but Steven Weiss from Westborough made it to an island and survived.

Four other snowmobiles went through the ice in derby weekend. On Saturday, a New York teen participating in the derby with his father when their sleds went through the ice. The teen, Arthur Remy, died but his father was rescued.

On Winnisquam Lake on Sunday, two Laconia men broke through thin ice. Both were rescued, but one of the snowmobiles sank to the bottom of the lake.

Fish and game officials say it’s one of the deadliest weekends they’ve ever had - and people on the lake agree.

“We’ve had multiple incidences in multiple locations, unfortunately resulting in multiple fatalities,” N.H. Gov. Chris Sununu said. “Please keep them in your minds. Understand that there are real families on the other end of these tragedies. These are real incidences.”

Unpredictable depths, currents, and the hidden shoreline combined with a warm winter have made this year’s ice spotty. Fish and game experts say even experienced riders need to be safe this season.

Crosier’s family wouldn’t comment, but have asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Special Olympics of Massachusetts.

Cox Media Group