Three people have died in a series of horrific U.S. snowmobiling accidents.
Two people were killed in a snowmobile accident in northwest Wyoming. A 32-year-old woman died on Jan. 23, and a 31-year-old man died on Jan. 26, after their snowmobiles crashed into trees.
“This has been a challenging winter so far for our mountain community,” said Teton County Search and Rescue in a statement on Tuesday, Jan. 27. “TCSAR has responded to four fatalities, with two coming in the last three days.”
Officials acknowledged how tough it's been this season.
“This message is not intended to shame or judge anyone,” the search and rescue team said. “Just please remember that when you take on a backcountry objective — no matter how big or small — the most important thing is to make sure you come home at the end of the day. Be safe out there, everyone.”
In upstate New York, a 17-year-old teenager was killed in a snowmobile accident.
"Steven J. Gregorie of Varysburg was operating a 2012 Ski Doo snowmobile traveling south on a marked trail in Warsaw when he lost control around 12:12 p.m. on Sunday, state police said. The snowmobile struck a log pile, ejecting Gregorie. Warsaw is in Wyoming County in Western New York," Syracuse.com reported.
"A 16-year-old friend riding a 2015 Arctic Cat was traveling behind Gregorie when he also lost control and left the marked trail, striking the same log pile and being ejected, according to investigators. The Arctic Cat came to rest on top of Gregorie."
Investigations into the three deaths are underway.
Our thoughts are with the friends and family members of all three victims.