Woman Dies After Falling Through Ice on Alexander Reservoir Near Soda Springs

Authorities identify the victim as 27-year-old Pamela Yazzie of Chinle, Arizona.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A 27-year-old woman died on Sunday after she and her brother fell through the ice while ice fishing on the Alexander Reservoir near Soda Springs, Idaho. Emergency responders were able to pull the woman's brother from the water, but the woman had already gone underwater and was later pronounced dead at the hospital.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the dangers of venturing out onto frozen bodies of water, especially early in the season when ice thickness can be unpredictable. It serves as a reminder for outdoor enthusiasts to exercise extreme caution and be prepared for emergencies when participating in winter activities.

The details

According to the Caribou County Sheriff's Office, dispatch received a report around 2:52 p.m. on Sunday that two people had fallen through the ice on the Alexander Reservoir, about two miles east of Soda Springs. When deputies arrived, they found that the 27-year-old woman and her 34-year-old brother, both from Arizona, had fallen through the ice about 200 feet from the northern shoreline. Emergency personnel were able to pull the man from the water, but the woman had already gone underwater. A dive team later recovered the woman's body, and she was pronounced dead at the Caribou Medical Center.

  • The incident occurred on Sunday around 2:52 p.m.
  • The woman was pronounced dead at the hospital.

The players

Pamela Yazzie

A 27-year-old woman from Chinle, Arizona who died after falling through the ice on the Alexander Reservoir.

Pamela Yazzie's brother

A 34-year-old man from Arizona who was also on the ice with Pamela Yazzie and was pulled from the water by emergency responders.

Casey Batterton

The Caribou Coroner who identified Pamela Yazzie as the victim.

Caribou County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that responded to the incident and provided details about the incident.

Caribou Medical Center

The hospital where Pamela Yazzie was pronounced dead and her brother was treated.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We are also grateful for the professional emergency services provided by the Caribou Medical Center.”

— Caribou County Sheriff's Office (eastidahonews.com)

“The Caribou Sheriff's Office offers our condolences to the friends and family of the victims of this terrible accident.”

— Caribou County Sheriff's Office (eastidahonews.com)

“Coroner Batterton says he expresses his condolences to the family of the victim at this time.”

— Casey Batterton, Caribou Coroner (eastidahonews.com)

What’s next

The Caribou County Sheriff's Office is continuing to investigate the incident.

The takeaway

This tragic accident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of exercising extreme caution when venturing out onto frozen bodies of water, especially early in the winter season when ice thickness can be unpredictable. It highlights the need for proper safety precautions and preparedness when engaging in winter activities to prevent similar devastating outcomes.