Man’s report of passenger in truck that broke through ice draws heavy response

An ice fisherman who’s vehicle broke through the ice of Lake Poygan late Saturday night, January 17, 2026, told authorities his fishing buddy was unaccounted for after he was found by a deputy, wet on the shore.

Just before 1 a.m. Sunday, multiple rescue boats and fire personnel were called to Boom Bay on the lake’s north side to search for the man’s pick up truck.

Once found, investigation showed there was no one else in the truck and only one set of foot prints leading to shore. It was determined the man was the only one in the truck at the time of the incident after talking with the man’s wife who stated he normally fishes alone, and a phone conversation with him at 10:30 p.m. led her to believe no one else was with him.

Police are investigating why the man said someone else was with him.