Officials Ask for Help Identifying Ice Fisherman After Equipment Found at Prairie Rose State Park
Emergency crews responded Tuesday evening, February 3, 2026, after fishing equipment was discovered on the ice at Prairie Rose State Park (Prairie Rose Lake) in Shelby County—with indications someone may have gone through the ice
Kenny Hammond with the Midwest Regional Dive Team said responders located a debris field and an area consistent with a breakthrough in the ice, but no person was located during the initial search. A diver was deployed using a circle-search pattern, and underwater visibility was described as clear early on, though conditions can change once the lake bottom is disturbed.
Crews also reported seeing what appeared to be a path on the ice—possibly from someone walking or dragging a leg—leading toward shore. Investigators could not confirm whether the individual went into the water and got out, left the area, or whether anyone is actually missing. A key concern: no vehicle was found near the scene.
Because of worsening ice conditions and safety concerns, officials made the decision to pull personnel and ask the public for help identifying who the equipment belongs to—primarily to ensure the person is safe
What officials are asking
If you know who was ice fishing at Prairie Rose State Park on February 3, or recognize equipment left on the ice, call 911 and ask to be connected with Shelby County dispatch / the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office. Officials say even small details could help confirm the person is safe and account for the equipment
