Brothers Die After Falling Through Ice On MI Inland Lake: Sheriff

KALKASKA COUNTY, MI — A pair of brothers died after they fell through ice on a northern Michigan lake Saturday night, according to sheriff's officials.

Officials said 22-year-old Johnathan Brake and his 13-year-old brother died after falling through the ice on Island Lake in Kalkaska Township, which is roughly 20 miles southeast of Traverse City.

A 14-year-old boy, who was with the brothers, also fell through the ice but was able to crawl out of the frigid water, officials said.

Officials said the boy was treated and released at a nearby hospital.

Officers were called to the lake at 11 p.m. when Brake's girlfriend, who had gone out to look for the group, heard the 14-year-old calling for help, officials said.

They found Brake's body at roughly 11:40 p.m. and provided life-saving measures, but he died, officials said.

Officials continued searching for the 13-year-old and found his body the next morning in about 7 to 8 feet of water, officials said.

Kalkaska EMS, Northern Michigan Mutual Aid Emergency Dive Team, Michigan State Police and several local fire and rescue departments helped sheriff's officials at the scene.

"This incident is a reminder that ice conditions across our area are still unpredictable," the Whitewater Township Fire Department said. "No ice is safe ice, especially near inlets, outlets, or moving water. Please stay off the ice and keep children and pets away from shorelines."