CA Ice Skater, 72, Dies After Falling Into Frozen Reservoir

LAKE TAHOE, CA — The body of a 72-year-old man was recovered from a Northern California reservoir days after he fell through the iced-over body of water, authorities said.

William Smallfield of Truckee was ice skating with seven other people Saturday on the Stampede Reservoir when he and five others plunged into the frozen waters after the ice cracked, according to the Sierra County Sheriff's Office.

The reservoir is about 45 minutes north of Lake Tahoe.

Five skaters were able to help each other pull themselves out of the water, but Smallfield did not surface, the Truckee Fire Protection District said in a statement.

A dive team attempted to find Smallfield on Saturday while officials urged people to stay off the iced reservoirs in the area, officials said. California Highway Patrol helicopter crews also participated in the search.

"We urge everyone to stay off the ice on area lakes. It is impossible to know the safety and stability of the ice, especially with the recent warmer temperatures," the Truckee Fire Protection District said in a statement.