CORCORAN, Minn. -- It's been an emotional few days for the families of Brad Skafte and Adam Patnode.
"I'm not sure ifit's sunk in yet," says Adam's dad Dan Patnode. "Adam loved being outside and everyone wanted to be around him."
Adam Patnode from Corcoran and Skafte from Rockford were together on a snowmobile Saturday night when they hit open water on Lake Charlotte in Wright County. Their bodies were recovered Sunday afternoon.
"It probably looked like good ice, but it gave them a false impression," says Patnode. "It was dark and that was a factor, too."
This season's unpredictable weather has made for unpredictable ice on lakes statewide. Ice safety isa concern this time of year, especially withthe warmer temperatures.The DNR calls the ice this year "spotty," while members of the Hennepin County Sheriff's Water Patrol say "there are more variables this year."
The Ramsey County Water Patrol agrees.
"It's an odd year," says Deputy Todd Kramer. "The time you see this is typically inlate March."
He's referring to ice-skaters, ATVs, and icehouses that have gone through unsafe ice in Ramsey County.
"We've had reports of 12 inches up to open water," said Deputy Kramer. "We still have open water on our lakes. It's impossible to tell people it's safe out there."
Law enforcement continues to remind the public to "know the lake you're on" and come prepared in case you do find yourself in the water.
The Patnode family says the community has been a "huge support" to them during this time. They also tell KARE 11 that their son Adam loved life and "always had fun." As they honor his life, they too want to remind others to always be cautious.
"You always have to know your surroundings," says Patnode. "You have to know the lake."
