Maine grandfather dies after ATV breaks through frozen lake during ice fishing trip with grandsons

 An 88-year-old Maine man has died after drowning in an ATV accident on an ice-covered lake during a family fishing trip, state officials say.

According to the Portland Press Herald, Milford resident Floyd Hardison had just finished ice fishing with his son and grandchildren when he drowned in Spring River Lake in Hancock County, after the ATV he was riding on Were she broke through the ice.

The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife told local outlets that the incident happened around 6 p.m. local time Friday.

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Although his grandson managed to escape from the driver's seat of the sinking ATV, Hardison was unable to free himself.

A firefighter recovered Hardison's body at about 8:25 p.m. The ATV sank to the bottom of the lake, which was 10 feet deep.

The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife warns residents on its website that "ice conditions are always changing."

"There are many factors to consider when determining whether ice conditions are safe, and they can vary from day to day and from one water body to another," the website reads.

The department also notes that it is generally safe to drive an ATV on an ice-covered lake if the ice is between five and seven inches deep.

The color of snow can also help residents understand whether it is safe to walk on it.

The site advises, "Thick and blue, tried and true. Thin and crisp, very risky."

Fox News Digital contacted the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and the Hancock County Sheriff's Department for more information, but did not receive a response.