March 1, 2024

MDIFW NEWS: Missing Fairfield Man Located

TOMHEGAN TWP, Somerset County, Maine - A 25-year-old Fairfield man was found alive and well this morning, after he was reported missing on Moosehead Lake during a snowsquall yesterday.

At approximately 5:00 p.m. yesterday evening, Colby Davis, age 25 of Fairfield, and a friend were riding separate snowmobiles near Farm Island on Moosehead Lake in Tomhegan TWP when the two became separated during a snowsquall. When Colby Davis never returned to camp, his friend called 911 at approximately 6:30 yesterday evening.

Game wardens began searching the lake immediately but were unable to locate Davis on the Lake. Game Wardens also searched the shoreline and nearby cabins through the night but found no trace of Davis. Efforts were hindered by blowing snow and winds over 25 mph, and temperatures around 3 degrees. Game wardens also responded to an ATV and its operator through the ice near the same area on Moosehead Lake, further complicating the search. The ATV operator was rescued and taken to a Dean Hospital.

This morning, a Warden aircraft was launched, and more game wardens were preparing to resume the search when they received a call from a campowner at approximately 7:00 a.m. that Davis had spent the night with him at his camp.

It appears that after Davis became separated from his friend in the fading light and snowsquall, he became disoriented and drove on the lake until he struck a pressure ridge, and got his snowmobile stuck. Unable to get his snowmobile out, he walked until he found an occupied camp, where the campowner took him in for the night. There was no cell phone reception at the camp, so this morning, the camp owner was able to drive a snowmobile out to where there was cell phone reception and notified the warden service that Davis was with him, and in good condition. The camp was over five miles from where Davis and his friend became separated.

The Maine Warden Service reminds everyone that ice conditions on many waters in Maine remain extremely variable, and those ice fishing and snowmobiling on Maine waters should always check the ice before venturing out.

This release will be updated if any new information becomes available.

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