TODAY'S TMJ4

Rider Dies After ATV Falls Through Ice

MUSKEGO - Medics desperately worked on 46-year-old Eric Bonenfant in the back of an ambulance. The man's four-wheeler collapsed through thin ice on Big Muskego Lake after dark Saturday.

Bonenfant died at Froedtert Hospital, police said.

A 19-year-old man ice fishing nearby heard the crash and jumped in. Jacob Kaprelian pulled the victim out, but the man had already been in the frigid water for several minutes.

"Very heroic, but very dangerous," said Lt. Andrew Kraus of the Muskego Police Department. "We actually had to order him off the ice because he was very concerned for the individual."

Sam Klauser, the long time owner of the Hunter's Nest Tavern, said Bonenfant was his employee for many years and was almost like family.

"Very difficult night," Klauser told TODAY'S TMJ4 reporter Tom Murray. "He doesn't know the lake. He just had a just to go and have a break, get out there and enjoy himself on the lake, but very dangerous."

Bonenfant borrowed the ATV from a friend. Bonenfant lived by himself in the Muskego, Klauser said.

Emergency responders staged their command post at the Hunter's Nest. They called Flight for Life, but weather prevented the medical helicopter from landing.

EMTs treated the young ice fisherman in an ambulance and he went home with his family.

Bonenfant 's friends like Richard Reinke, they hope there will be lesson for others.

"If you're not totally familiar with the lake, don't run at night out here because there's always soft ice," he said.

Those familiar with Big Muskego Lake describe it as shallow with several springs that prevent ice thickening in certain areas.