Ethan Witthoeft, a quick-thinking ice fisherman from rural Vergas, saved 80-year-old Danny Erickson from a perilous situation on Middle Cormorant Lake.
Erickson lost his way in dark, foggy conditions and drove his ATV into open water on Dec 22.
Witthoeft, a quarter-mile away and packing up, heard Erickson’s cries for help.
Rushing to the scene with an ice chisel and picks, Witthoeft found Erickson clinging to his fish house, preventing immediate submersion.
With composure, Witthoeft guided Erickson to safety using an ice pick and chisel.
The two traversed a quarter-mile across the ice to Erickson’s house.
Erickson expressed gratitude, and the Erickson family gifted Witthoeft as a token of appreciation.
Despite the ATV sinking the next day, Tri-State Diving assisted, and Erickson emerged unharmed.
Witthoeft, a 2020 Detroit Lakes High School graduate, humbly expressed gratitude, emphasizing the importance of community and selfless acts.