At a Glance
- Ronnie Miles, a 5-year-old, and her 50-year-old grandfather died after falling through ice on a Michigan pond.
- The incident occurred on Jan. 21, 2025 when a Utility Task Vehicle (UTV) broke through private ice.
- A GoFundMe fundraiser has raised $34,000 toward a $35,000 goal for funeral expenses.
- Local agencies, including fire, police, and dive teams, responded to the scene.
The tragic event unfolded in Westphalia Township, Clinton County, Michigan, when a Utility Task Vehicle (UTV) carrying two people slipped through the ice of a private pond on Jan. 21, 2025. Deputies received a call around 5:20 p.m. that a UTV had broken through the ice along Clinton Road. Police and emergency responders rushed to the location, where the vehicle had already fallen into the water.
The Incident
The Clinton County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) released a statement on Facebook describing the initial investigation. “Initial investigation revealed that a UTV occupied by two Portland area individuals broke through the ice on a private pond,” said the CCSO. The two occupants were pulled from the pond and transported to a local hospital, where they later died from their injuries. An investigation into the cause of the collapse is ongoing.
Victims and Family
The victims were identified as Ronnie Miles and her grandfather, Eric Miles. Ronnie was a 5-year-old who had two brothers and was very close to her grandfather. The family of the deceased includes Mason and Grace Daugherty, Ronnie’s parents. A GoFundMe page, organized by Madison Bastien, shared the heartbreaking news: “On Wednesday, Jan. 21, Mason and Grace Daugherty got the devastating news that their sweet 5-year-old Ronnie Miles had passed from a tragic accident.”
Bastien added that Grace’s father also tragically passed in the accident. She wrote, “If that wasn’t hard enough, Grace’s dad also tragically passed in the accident.” The fundraiser has raised $34,000 in donations, with a goal of $35,000 to help cover funeral costs and support the family.
Response and Investigation
Several agencies assisted at the scene, including the Westphalia Township Fire Department, Portland Fire and Police Department, Clinton County and Capital area Dive Teams, and Clinton County Central Dispatch. The CCSO is conducting an ongoing investigation into the circumstances that led to the UTV’s collapse.
On Saturday, Jan. 24, 2025, the South Haven Area Emergency Services (SHAES) issued a warning about “very dangerous” ice in the region after responding to another ice-related incident. The SHAES posted on Facebook that the Lake Michigan shoreline snow shelves and ice-covered piers are “beautiful and inviting. And very dangerous!” They also noted that a person had fallen into the lake while walking on the South Beach snow shelves, but the individual rescued themselves.
Community Safety and Fundraising
The tragedy has prompted local authorities to emphasize the risks of ice in the area. Emergency services are urging residents to check ice thickness before venturing onto ponds or shorelines. Meanwhile, the GoFundMe page continues to gather support for the Daugherty family, who are left to grieve the loss of their beloved daughter and father.
The fundraiser’s page notes that Mason is the sole income earner and that the family has two little boys to care for. Supporters are encouraged to donate to help with funeral expenses and to provide relief during this difficult time.
The incident underscores the importance of ice safety and the need for community vigilance during winter months. Local officials and emergency responders remain on alert, continuing to monitor ice conditions across Michigan’s lakes and ponds.
Key Takeaways
- A UTV carrying a 5-year-old and her grandfather fell through ice on a private pond in Westphalia Township.
- Both victims died from injuries after being rescued.
- The GoFundMe fundraiser has raised $34,000 toward a $35,000 goal.
- Multiple agencies responded, and investigations are ongoing.
- Local authorities warn of dangerous ice conditions and urge caution.
The community’s response highlights the urgency of winter safety measures and the compassion that emerges in times of tragedy.
