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.
MORE | 1 killed, another injured Carmel homicide; suspect in police custody
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.
-
Indiana launches 'Smart SNAP' banning sugary drinks, candy from food benefits
Indiana will become one of the first states in the nation to restrict SNAP food stamp purchases of sugary drinks and candy when new rules take effect January 1, 2026.
Indiana migration balanced for second year in a row
For the second year in a row, the number of people moving into and out of Indiana is greater than the number of people leaving.
Future of I-65, I-70: INDOT concludes ProPEL Indy study
I-65 and I-70 are two of the main ways to get in and around the Indy metro. The city's transportation network is due for a major revamp in the coming years.
IMPD specialized teams recover nearly 2,000 guns in 2025
Newly released numbers from the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department highlight the significant impact of specialized teams working to reduce violent crime across the Circle City.
