One dead after six skaters plunge through ice into California lake, rescuers say

One person was found dead after six skaters plunged through the ice into Stampede Meadows Reservoir in Northern California, rescuers reported.

Five people escaped the icy water in the Sierra County reservoir Saturday, Feb. 5, the Truckee Fire Protection District said on Facebook.

CareFlight and California Highway Patrol helicopters helped carry rescuers from numerous local and state agencies to the lake.

On Sunday, Feb. 6, Washoe County Hasty Team and Placer County Dive Team officers found the body of the sixth skater, who had drowned, the Sierra County Sheriff’s Department reported on Facebook.

He was identified Monday, Feb. 7, as William Smallfield, 72, of Truckee, sheriff’s officials said.

“We urge everyone to stay off the ice on area lakes,” rescuers said. “It is impossible to know the safety and stability of the ice, especially with the recent warmer temperatures.”

This story was originally published February 6, 2022 at 7:26 AM with the headline "One dead after six skaters plunge through ice into California lake, rescuers say."