MADISON COUNTY, IOWA – An Iowa man drove his vehcile onto what appeared to be a frozen lake to partake in some recreational ice fishing, however, the ice gave way, and he and the auto plunged into the murky depths.
According to Madison County Sheriff Jason Barnes, on January 10, 2025, and at around 10:20 AM, Madison County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to Badger Creek State Recreational Area in northern Madison County, Iowa, after a deceased adult male was discovered. Authorities later identified the victim as 55-year-old Jeffrey Gene Poush of Cumming, Iowa.
A preliminary investigation shows that Poush was in preparation of ice fishing. He drove his vehicle out on to ice covered Badger Creek Lake. At about 115 feet from shore, Poush’s vehicle fell through the ice and became completely submerged in 7-8 feet deep water.
Poush was able to free himself from the fully-submerged vehicle and ultimately the lake on his own with no known witnesses being present. Poush made his way to shore but eventually died from his injuries. His remains were transported to the State Medical Examiner’s Office in Ankeny where an autopsy will be completed.
The Madison County Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by the Iowa DNR, Story County Sheriff’s Office’s Dive Team, Central Iowa Underwater Search & Rescue, Madison County Ambulance and Madison County Medical Examiner’s Office.
(TOP PHOTO via the sheriff’s office.)
1 thought on “Iowa man attempting to fish on lake falls through ice, perishes from hypothermia”
Don’t drive on the ice when its on a “lake” that’s actually a river.