Tracks Lead to Body in Car Below Ice

Divers searching a frozen lake found the body of a 55-year-old woman who apparently got lost and did not know she was driving on ice, relatives and authorities said Wednesday.

The body of Betty L. Martof was found in a car submerged in 12 feet of water in Lake Arthur in Moraine State Park a day after park officials reported vehicle tracks leading to a hole in the ice.

Authorities initially thought that it was a winter joyride turned tragic because of circular tracks, and said it appeared someone was doing “doughnuts” on the ice.

Authorities now think Martof somehow ended up on a park road and then a snowmobile trail that led to the lake. Her car drove for about half a mile on the lake -- including leaving tire tracks in tight circles -- before it sank into the water.

“I don’t think she had any idea she was on ice,” state police Sgt. Theodore Swartzlander said.

Relatives said Martof was known to occasionally get lost or disoriented when she drove.

“She would drive and not know where she was going,” said Arlene Martof, a former sister-in-law of the victim. “She would get on the turnpike and drive and not know where to get off.”

Divers were called out after muskrat trappers saw the hole and the tire tracks and alerted park officials.

The ice was 2 to 3 inches thick, said park manager Obie Derr. The park recommends that skaters and fishermen stay off until the ice is at least 4 inches thick, he said.