Body of ‘wild ice skater’ found 11 metres underwater in freezing California reservoir

William Smallfield was among a group of ice skaters who fell into the Stampede Reservoir in Northern California

The body of a 72-year-old “wild ice skater” was found submerged 11 metres underwater after a group of ice skaters plunged into a freezing Northern California reservoir, authorities say.

William Smallfield, of Truckee, was with a group of eight skaters when the accident occurred at the Stampede Reservoir, north of Lake Tahoe, on Saturday.

Six skaters fell into the lake and the other two helped with rescue efforts, but they were unable to locate Mr Smallfield, according to the Sierra County Sheriff’s Office.

Authorities launched a rescue effort to find the stricken skaters, and the body of a man was located on Sunday (Sierra County Sheriff's Office)

After a multi-agency search involving dive teams and aerial surveillance, Mr Smallfield’s body was located 11.2m (37 feet) beneath the water.

Laura Kottlowski, who was among the survivors, said the group were all experienced “wild ice skaters” - adventurers who seek out frozen lakes, rivers and ponds to explore.

Ms Kottlowski said they had tested the ice’s thickness earlier in the day and found it was 7.5 to 10cms (3-4 inches).

She told CBS13 that when the ice started to crack, she was one of four who fell in simultaneously.

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Ms Kottlowski said she was the only member of the group who was wearing a safety preserver, which she credits with saving her life.

She used an ice pick to try to reach the others who had fallen in.

Five were pulled out, while Mr Smallfield, whose longtime partner was also on the ice, could not saved.

“It’s tragic. We all experienced that,” Ms Kottlowski told CBS13.

Ms Kottlowski believes Saturday’s warm weather and wind-driven currents may have weakened the ice.

The Stampede Reservoir in Northern California ( Sierra County Sheriff’s Office)

One member of the group who fell into the icy water about 40 miles (64 kilometers) north of South Lake Tahoe city suffered a dislocated shoulder and was taken to a hospital, officials said.

A Placer County dive team searched the reservoir and emergency responders from the Washoe County Hasty Team flew over the area, but they weren’t able to locate the missing man until Sunday when his body was recovered, the office said.

Official urged skaters to stay off iced over lakes and reservoirs in the area.

“It is impossible to know the safety and stability of the ice, especially with the recent warmer temperatures,” Truckee officials wrote in a Facebook post.

The Associated Press contributed to this report