The Dubuque family, of Post Mills, Vt., ice fishes on a setback along the Connecticut River on Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2025, in Norwich, Vt.
Nick Dubuque took the week off from work since his wife, Megan Dubuque, a teacher, and children, Jacob, 13, left, and Tucker, 11, were on school vacation.
The family had already caught several yellow perch, which they were going to make into fish tacos for dinner that night. Their dog Ripple was also with them.
The family had plans to do outdoor activities all week.