(WHTM) — Charges were filed against a Pennsylvania man in a fatal utility task vehicle (UTV) crash on a frozen lake earlier this year.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced Tuesday that 59-year-old Ricky Wise, from Westmoreland County, faces charges from the Feb. 22 crash on Deep Creek Lake underneath the Glendale Bridge.
David Linsenbigler, 58, also from Westmoreland County, was a passenger who was submerged in the wreckage when the UTV went through the ice, officials said. He was taken to the hospital, where he died the next day from his injuries, officials said.
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Wise was allegedly under the influence while he was operating the 2014 Polaris RZR XP 1000 when it broke through the ice. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources said Wise was drinking alcoholic beverages at the Deep Creek Dunk before operating the UTV. His blood alcohol concentration was above .08%, which is Maryland’s legal limit.
The Deep Creek Dunk is an annual event where plungers jump into Deep Creek Lake, according to its website. The event raises money for the Special Olympics Maryland – Garrett County.
Wise wasn’t trapped in the wreckage. First responders took him to Garrett Regional Medical Center in Oakland where he was treated for hypothermia and near-drowning.
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Wise faces charges that include negligent manslaughter with a vehicle, negligent homicide by motor vehicle while under the influence, homicide with a motor vehicle while impaired and driving while impaired by alcohol.
Wise was formally charged via criminal summons Aug. 8. If convicted on all charges, officials said Wise faces a maximum of 12 years and two months in prison and pay fines worth $16,700.
A trial is scheduled Oct. 7 in Garrett County District Court.
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