IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

Montcalm County Accident on Crystal Lake Leaves One Dead, One in Critical Condition

The ATV fell into a hole that had been cut in the lake for a "polar plunge" event.

One person died and another was in critical condition after their ATV fell through the ice on a Michigan lake, police said early Sunday.

Michigan State Police said the ATV's driver lost control and went into an "uncontrolled slide" across the surface of Crystal Lake on Saturday night, breaking through a fenced-in portion of the lake where a polar-plunge event had been held.

The ATV — with four people aboard — went into a hole cut in the ice for the polar plunge, police said in a statement. Two passengers were able to pull themselves out unharmed but the driver and 25-year-old woman were submerged, according to police.

Bystanders used a tow-strap and pick-up truck to partially pull out the ATV and rescue personnel treated the two who'd been submerged, police said.

The driver — Lee Avery, 52 — was pronounced dead at a local hospital and the female passenger is in critical condition, according to police.

An investigation was underway into what may have caused the accident in Montcalm County.