Officials ID Richmond Man Killed in Lake Superior Plunge

BAYFIELD, Wis. (AP) — Authorities have identified the two men who died when they broke through ice while snowmobiling on Lake Superior off Madeline Island.

The victims were 30-year-old Joshua Reynolds of La Pointe,  and 38-year-old Mark Backes, of Richmond.

Authorities say the two men apparently were riding on a single snowmobile when they left Bayfield about 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, bound for La Pointe on Madeline Island. They were reported overdue and missing about 12 hours later.

One of the men was found in open water about 10 a.m. Thursday. Rescue crews found the body of the second victim about 1 p.m.

The snowmobile was found partially submerged in the area of the South Channel.

Mass of Christian Burial for Mark Backes will be Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Richmond.

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