Blake Herman Obituary, Death: Sheriff identifies 18-year-old who drowned after ATV fell through ice on lake.
Blake Herman Obituary, Death – Officials have identified the 18-year-old who tragically died after an ATV fell through the ice on a frozen lake in rural Minnesota. The victim, Blake Herman, was from Brainerd, Minnesota.
The incident occurred on the evening of December 9, 2023, when the Cass County Sheriff’s Office was alerted to the scene at Blackwater Lake, located near Longville. According to the sheriff’s office, Herman and a 20-year-old man were riding an ATV on the ice when the vehicle broke through the frozen surface, causing both individuals to fall into the frigid water.
Deputies who arrived at the scene were able to rescue the 20-year-old man, who was quickly flown to a hospital in St. Cloud for treatment. Authorities reported that the 20-year-old is expected to make a full recovery following the ordeal.
Search efforts continued overnight and into the following day, with divers and rescue teams working to locate Herman. Tragically, after a prolonged search, Herman’s body was recovered from the lake at approximately 1 p.m. on December 10.
In the wake of his death, a GoFundMe page has been established to assist with funeral expenses for the Herman family. The page includes heartfelt messages from those who knew him, remembering Blake as a bright and compassionate young man. His family and friends described him as having an infectious smile and a kind heart, with the impact of his loss felt deeply by everyone who knew him.
This heartbreaking accident serves as a tragic reminder of the dangers associated with venturing onto frozen lakes and the risks involved with outdoor winter activities. Local authorities continue to express their condolences and urge the public to exercise caution when engaging in similar activities during the winter months.
