OXFORD, Maine — A teenage boy was killed after falling through ice while checking beaver traps Wednesday afternoon.
Joshua Wardwell, 17, of Oxford was checking beaver traps on Chapman Pond located off North Town Farm Road when he fell through the ice, according to John MacDonald of the Maine Warden Service.
“He was checking traps in the beaver flowage underneath the ice,” said MacDonald.
A beaver flowage is a body of water where beavers live. MacDonald said they are usually in areas where the water is still and fairly shallow.
MacDonald said the traps, which are typically submerged in shallow water and attached to poles, can usually be seen from the water’s surface.
“If you chip through the ice, you can see if there’s anything in your trap,” MacDonald said. “In conditions like this, water usually freezes quickly and it’s fairly clear ice. But that’s not always the case. You can have snow on top obscuring the view, or the ice can sometimes be thick or rippled because there’s a lot of air bubbles in it, which makes it difficult to see through.”
MacDonald said he did not know how deep the water was where Wardwell drowned or how experienced a trapper Wardwell was.
“It’s trapping season for beaver, but we don’t know if it was for pelts or if they had become a nuisance,” MacDonald said.
Oxford police and rescue personnel responded to a call about a person in the water at Chapman’s Pond just after 2:30 p.m. along North Town Farm Road near Hebron, bringing in rescue sleds and other equipment to reach the boy.
According to MacDonald, the teen’s 15-year-old girlfriend, who was watching from shore, immediately called police when he fell through. Oxford police and fire rescue personnel joined Paris police in responding to the call, but initially had trouble reaching the boy.
Wardwell was transported to Stevens Memorial Hospital in Norway where he was pronounced dead, MacDonald said in a press release.
The Maine Warden Service is reminding residents that thin ice conditions are present and extreme caution must be used when attempting to access any body of water this time of year.
Ice thickness guidelines can be found at mainegamewarden.com.
Tragic.
I’d like to offer my sympathies to all for this true tragedy. The cause is irrelevant.
(Since I am not a Maine resident anymore, I have to ask if schools are on vacation.)
See the post below from the sister…
It appears he didn’t attend public school, but what about the girl?
We were never let out before 3pm.
Doesn’t matter anyway; I was just wondering.
he did go to public school! he was a senior in high school! school gets our at 145.
I see that in the second edition of this story. Besides, his sister said something about he was supposed to be at Truck driving class. Down here in Mass that is only available commercially by paying for it through a private business (hence my confusion).
Like I’ve said twice before, it doesn’t matter anyway. A life was lost.
he went out right after school.
Condolences to all involved in this tragic accident. No school vacations but times vary for dismissal.
why is it that people go out on so called frozen waters when it hasn’t been cold enough or cold long enough for it to be frozen? Someone fall through the ice and dies almost every winter!! My prayers are with his family and his girlfriend!!
I pray the Lord Jesus will help his parents and family through this, none other can.
Very sad. I pray for the family and girlfriend.
I miss my brother like crazy! I keep thinking this is a dream! He was a good kid was going to go to college for criminal justice. He loved being outside doing whatever. You couldn’t keep him still. Please only post nice things about him and nothing about our family. I’m sure you wouldn’t want to see some of these comments, as I am right now. I have to be strong for my parents. Its so hard to do! He was warned to stay off the ice. You have no right to say or question anything about that. He was supposed to be in his Truck driving class. Please no more hateful posts. As you wouldn’t want them for your family. I love you forever and always Josh Wardwell. You will always be with me. :'(
I am so sorry for the loss of your brother and you are absolutely correct that nobody should be posting anything hurtful. I can only imagine the pain that you and your family are going through because I have not lost a sibling but did lose my parents last year. Children are suppose to outlive their parents but sometimes that just doesn’t happen. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers, again I am so sorry for your loss. God Bless!
Thank you for understanding,Its so hard.
You are absolutely correct–this is no time for finding fault or questioning fate..My deepest condolences to you and yours.
His friend saw the ice it was about 4 inches thick, all you need is 1 inch and it will hold you. We just dont get it! Thank you.
What a tragedy. Actually, I am surprised to hear about this so early in the year with all of the good weather we’ve been having.
so sad, will hold the family up in my prayers..
In response to the person who just posted about losing his or her brother my deepest condolences to you and your family. As far as what people post , unfortunately we cant control that. However most people do have sympathy and empathy towards anyone who loses a loved one, and thats what you have to remember right now. Don’t let a few uncaring, selfish people bother you. They don’t know any better. 17 is way too young to die and I am so sorry for your loss.
Josh you were such a great friend and a blast to have on the trapline. The past few days have been so hard. thoughts and prayers for the family and all your friends.