Conesus Lake Search Suspended for Ice

LIVONIA – After four full days of searching, the recovery mission for the two missing snowmobilers is being called off until ice recedes.

According to Sheriff Thomas Dougherty, the search may resume in a few days.

“We scanned everything in our targeted area. Search will be suspended until ice recedes back enough to scan farther north; best case few days” tweeted Dougherty.

The Sheriff added that he met with the families of both Chris Copeland and Jay Fluet and they thank first responders for their efforts this week.

“I met with both families and they are understanding. They wanted their thanks passed along to Fire, EMS, LE & community for the support,” tweeted Dougherty.

Both men were reported missing Sunday morning. The Sheriff’s Office’s underwater sonar robot, local fire department boats, and divers with the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office and New York State Police searched every day since then.

At about 3 a.m. Saturday, the two are believed to have left the northwestern shore of Conesus Lake on a snowmobile and headed across the ice southeast, towards the opposite shore. The snowmobile is believed to have fallen through the ice near the eastern shore.

The search began at about 3 a.m. Sunday, when the Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of missing persons.

Members of the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office dive team were at the lake Wednesday alongside Monroe and Wayne County Sheriffs’ dive teams, New York State Police, the Lakeville Fire Department, Springwater Fire Department, Livonia Fire Department, Livingston County Office of Emergency Management.

“We live in a great county with extremely dedicated people who really care about the communities they serve and we have appreciative residents who continue to show their support in a number of ways,” posted Sheriff Thomas Dougherty to Facebook Monday night. “Please pray for the families of Christopher and Jason, and the safety of our Fire, EMS and LE while we continue our efforts to bring these gentlemen to their family.”

Continue to follow the GeneseeSun.com as further information becomes available.