GREEN RIVER, Wyo. (AP) — The Sweetwater County sheriff is reminding ice fishermen to stay safe during upcoming fishing derbies.

A 50-year-old man from Green River died after falling through ice Tuesday at Flaming Gorge Reservoir. Kevin Holloway was fishing less than 100 yards from the reservoir's western shore but authorities said there was still open water in the area.

In response, Sheriff Rich Haskell issued a warning reminding fishermen that ice conditions can vary over short times and differences. He says fishermen should check the thickness of ice every 100 to 150 feet using a cordless drill and consider wearing a life vest and carrying self-rescue ice picks in case they get into trouble.

Haskell also recommends watching a 10-minute ice fishing safety video from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources available on YouTube.

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