2 dead after falling through ice while fishing in B.C.’s Fraser Valley

The two men didn’t return home from an ice fishing trip on B.C.’s Grace Lake, located north of Agassiz.

Two men are dead after falling through the ice during a fishing trip in B.C.’s Fraser Valley this week.

Authorities said the men were reported missing Tuesday night after they didn’t return home from ice fishing on Grace Lake, north of Agassiz.

A family member headed out to the lake and noticed a “large hole in the ice along with fishing gear,” the Agassiz RCMP said in a news release Wednesday.

Volunteers from the Mission, Chilliwack and Kent-Harrison search and rescue teams were deployed and found two bodies under the water, and the RCMP’s Underwater Recovery Team pulled them from the lake.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the deceased during this difficult time,” said Cpl. Chad Raymond of the Agassiz RCMP, in a statement.

“This tragedy serves as a stark reminder that ice conditions are constantly changing and even if you’ve tested the thickness, the weather and water conditions can make it unsafe.”

Authorities have not released the names of the two men. Agassiz RCMP said their deaths are being investigated by the BC Coroners Service.