Man who died after falling through ice at Great Sacandaga Lake identified

Police identify man who fell through ice at lake

Police identify man who fell through ice at Great Sacandaga Lake in Mayfield.

The name of a man who died after falling through the ice at Great Sacandaga Lake on Sunday has been identified. Meanwhile, investigators are trying to determine what caused the accident.

State Police responded to the area of Chupka Road in Mayfeild just before 8:15 a.m. for a report of a side-by-side utility task vehicle that went through the ice. The operator of the vehicle was William D. Gifford, 37, of Gloversville, investigators said.

Bystanders rescued both people before emergency crews arrived. Gifford was unresponsive. He later died at St. Mary’s Hospital.

A passenger was not hurt, investigators said.

State Police and the Department of Environmental Conservation are warning about the ice thickness. Click the video to hear their concerns.

Make sure you are familiar with body of water before going on ic3e

DEC and State Police are saying people must make sure you are familiar with body of water before going on ice.