Vermont Ice Fishing Tournament Canceled , After 3 Fishermen Die.<br />NBC News reports that the 43rd annual Islands Ice Fishing Derby was canceled after three men fell through the ice and died amid "abnormally warm" weather.<br />NBC News reports that the 43rd annual Islands Ice Fishing Derby was canceled after three men fell through the ice and died amid "abnormally warm" weather.<br />According to Vermont state police, <br />Wayne Alexander, 62, died on Feb. 9, .<br />and two brothers, John Fleury, 71, and <br />Wayne Fleury, 88, died on Feb. 11.<br />Alexander's body was found in the water when he didn't return home as scheduled.<br />The Fleury brothers' <br />utility vehicle fell into the ice.<br />John was pulled out of the water <br />but died at the hospital.<br />A diver found Wayne's body still in the vehicle.<br />It is not clear whether the three men were participating in the ice fishing derby.<br />On Feb. 11, the National Weather Service issued a warning that ice thickness would be extremely variable due to "well above normal temperatures.".<br />On Feb. 11, the National Weather Service issued a warning that ice thickness would be extremely variable due to "well above normal temperatures.".<br />In a new post on Feb. 13, the National Weather Service said, "We have seen an abnormally warm first half of February."
