Hero Father Dies Saving His 6-Year-Old Son After Snowmobile Breaks Through Ice in Upstate New York

ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, N.Y. — A heroic father gave his life to save his young son after their snowmobile plunged through thin ice on a frozen pond in upstate New York, leaving the child to make a desperate two-mile journey through the cold to find help.

Bryan LaPlante, 33, his 6-year-old son, and family friend Michael Booth, 48, were returning from an ice fishing trip Sunday night on Chaumont Pond when the ice beneath their snowmobile gave way, according to state police.

A Father’s Final Act of Love

When the snowmobile broke through the ice, LaPlante managed to lift his son out of the freezing water and onto the surface. Despite his efforts, he was unable to pull himself to safety, a family member told local station WNNYTV.

Knowing time was running out, LaPlante and Booth instructed the terrified child to “follow the moon” to reach his grandmother’s home and call 911, LaPlante’s sister Paige shared in an emotional Facebook post.

The boy, cold and frightened, followed their instructions and walked nearly two miles alone through the night until he reached his grandfather, Patrick LaPlante, 51.

A Desperate Rescue Attempt

After learning what had happened, Patrick LaPlante rushed to Chaumont Pond and spotted his son Bryan and Booth struggling in the icy water.

Police say Patrick crawled across the frozen surface toward them, but the ice beneath him also gave way. He managed to pull himself out of the water, but by the time he regained his footing, he had lost sight of the two men.

Emergency crews soon arrived and located Bryan LaPlante and Michael Booth floating unresponsive in the pond. First responders pulled them from the water and immediately began CPR.

Both men were transported to Gouverneur Hospital, where they were later pronounced dead.

Survivors Treated for Hypothermia

The 6-year-old boy and his grandfather were taken to Clinton-Fine Hospital, where they were treated for hypothermia. Both are expected to recover physically.

LaPlante’s sister confirmed the devastating loss in a Facebook tribute, writing that her brother “died saving his son.”

“My nephew made it home because Boothy told him to follow the moon to get back to memes,” she wrote. “Every single person in this story was a hero. I have never been more proud of every single one of them.”

Community Mourning a Hero

The tragedy has shaken the local community, with many remembering Bryan LaPlante as a devoted father who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect his child.

Authorities continue to warn residents about the dangers of traveling on frozen bodies of water, especially during periods of fluctuating winter temperatures.