By Jalen Maki

Tomahawk Leader Co-Editor

ONEIDA COUNTY – Two people died Sunday, Jan. 5 after their snowmobiles went into the water on Lake Nokomis in Oneida County.

According to the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office, a 911 call was received around 3:09 a.m. reporting snowmobiles and riders in the water on Lake Nokomis near River Road. Upon arrival, deputies learned that three riders, along with their snowmobiles, had gone into the water. One rider was able to remove himself from the water and call 911.

David N. Erdman, 31, of Hubertus, Wis., and Kurtis W. Shernell, 27, of Hustisford, Wis., died at the scene. Austin J. Zillmer, 26, of Sussex, Wis., survived and made the 911 call.

The riders were not on the designated snowmobile trail at the time of the incident, the Sheriff’s Office said.

The Oneida County Sheriff’s Office, Nokomis Fire Department, Nokomis First Responders, Little Rice Fire Department, Oneida County EMS, Oneida County Medical Examiner, Lincoln County EMS, Lincoln County Dive Team, Newbold Fire Department, Spirit Ambulance and the DNR responded to the scene.