Man dies, grandson hospitalized after ATV goes through ice

Updated: 6:15 p.m. | Posted: 9:54 a.m.

A 50-year old man has died and his 2-year-old grandson is in critical condition after the ATV they were riding plunged through ice on Lake Andrew in Douglas county.

James Minnerath and his grandson Hayden were plowing snow and then drove on the lake Tuesday.

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The Douglas County Sheriff's Office says family members grew concerned when the two didn't return.

The family contacted Brad Brejcha, a neighbor and retired Sheriff's sergeant. Brejcha notified the Sheriff's department at 8:47 p.m., then discovered a hole in the ice with ATV tracks leading toward it.

A dive team located the victims in the water near the hole. The ATV, an enclosed cab Polaris Ranger, was found in 18 feet of water and pulled out.

Douglas County Sheriff Troy Wolbersen said there were no reports of "weak or thin ice or open areas," except where the ATV apparently broke through.

James Minnerath was pronounced dead at North Memorial Medical Center. Hayden Minnerath is hospitalized at Children's Hospital.

The Douglas County Sheriff's Office says the grandfather was celebrating his birthday.