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Indianapolis man missing after falling through shelf ice at Indiana Dunes National Park

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Posted at 5:51 PM, Feb 22, 2022
and last updated 2022-02-23 11:32:00-05

PORTAGE, Ind. — An Indianapolis man is missing after he fell through shelf ice at Indiana Dunes National Park late Monday.

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources says five people entered onto shelf ice on Monday along the shoreline when it began to crack. As the group began to retreat to the shore, one person fell into the water.

Indiana DNR has identified that person as Bryce Dunfee, 22, of Indianapolis.

According to ABC 7 Chicago, the waves were about 3 to 4 feet at the time Dunfee and four friends - all in their 20s - were out on the ice.

The large waves and unable ice prevented the rest of the group from being able to reach Dunfee after he fell, according to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.

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Crews continue to search Lake Michigan to try to find Dunfee. There were searchers on foot, in a helicopter and divers in the water, ABC 7 reported.

Indiana Conservation Officers urged the public to stay off shelf ice along Lake Michigan as it can be unpredictable and extremely dangerous.

Indiana DNR is being assisted in their search by Portage Fire Department, Porter Fire Department, Lake County Sheriff’s Department, Ogden Dunes Fire Department, Indiana Dunes National Park Rangers and the U.S. Coast Guard.