On January 18, 2026, at approximately 7:40 p.m., New York State Police responded to County Route 60 in the town of Clifton for a report of individuals riding a snowmobile that had gone through the ice.

An investigation determined that three individuals were ice fishing on Chaumont Pond, which is connected to the Oswegatchie River, in the town of Clifton.  That evening, after being informed the three had not returned from fishing, Patrick R. LaPlante, age 51, of Newton Falls, went to the area to check on the individuals, who were identified as Bryan P. LaPlante, age 33, of Newton Falls; Michael J. Booth, age 48, of Oswegatchie; and a 6-year-old male of Newton Falls.

While searching along the shoreline of the river, Patrick LaPlante located Bryan LaPlante, who had fallen through the ice. Patrick crawled toward him to assist, but subsequently fell through the ice himself.  Patrick was able to remove himself from the water, but he was unable to locate the two remaining individuals.

Patrick LaPlante reported the incident and returned to his residence to warm up.  The 6-year-old male arrived at the residence shortly, thereafter, having walked there from the scene.  Both were transported to Clifton-Fine Hospital for treatment of hypothermia. 

Law enforcement, fire, and rescue personnel were notified and responded to the scene. Rescue crews later located Bryan LaPlante and Michael Booth, unresponsive in the water, accounting for all the individuals. Rescue crews removed them from the water and transported them to Gouverneur Hospital with CPR in progress.  Bryan P. LaPlante and Michael J. Booth were later pronounced deceased at the hospital.

The New York State Police were assisted by multiple local fire and rescue departments and the St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department.

This is an ongoing investigation. 
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