I was riding just north of mercer heading towards the Gatway lodge on saturday morning and noticed that someone had missed a turn and tore up the branches pretty good. When I pulled into town to have lunch I spoke to a few guys who had rode up on the police and rescue squads removing the sledder, he had passed away. Does anyone have any further information on this. This happened friday night or early morning. Very sad to hear this.
Sledder killed in Mercer
- Thread starter fatdaddy
- Start date
groomerdriver
New member
It was not a good weekend.......reports of at least 3 killed in Wisconsin over the weekend.
ridindirty800
Active member
I have a bad feeling this will be a bad winter as the whole state is snowmobiling and with so many people out more accidents will happen. And looking at the forecast its only going to get better for much of the state. Feel bad for all those who have lost loved ones or been injured. Stay safe out there fellow sledders
The victim was from my hometown area in NW IL. Don't want to be a preacher but alcohol, speed, & going solo don't mix well together! Six years ago today I lost a high school classmate/friend because of the above 3 factors. Prayers go out to the family that now is without a father and husband...
This happen mile and a half from our cabin, we were at the cabin. Makes you think about that second drink, let alone closing the bar at 2:30am. that's what home base is for. Yes I feel bad for the family. He was one minute from being back at the Gateway where he was staying.
Yes the COD was impact with trees caused by too much speed & alcohol! Check out the WI DNR accident stats. This was also listed in the newspapers. I wouldn't post information if it wasn't accurate.
garyl62
Active member
I don't have any personal knowledge of this but have heard several t.v. reports that said speed and alcohol were factors in the crash.
Here is a link to the WI DNR crash info...
http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/snowmobile/fatalitySummary/snowCurrent.html
http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/snowmobile/fatalitySummary/snowCurrent.html
I know the report says "speed & alcohol" were involved, they almost always do. Well da, if he wasn't going fast the crash would not have been as severe. If he was going 20mph, probably not gonna fly off & hit a tree, at least not hard. As far as alcohol, how bout we wait & see what his blood alcohol level report says, if they release it. Just cause he was at the bar & had a drink, doesn't mean he was drunk off his butt. Maybe a deer ran in front of him & he swerved? Maybe the sled broke (ski or spindle)? No way of knowing exactly what happened, unless YOU were there watching the entire incident happen. Not condoning drinking & sledding, but not gonna bad talk a fellow sledder that passed away either.
PS - condolences to the family & friends.
PS - condolences to the family & friends.
all i have to do is see these accidents happen in the wee hours of the morning to put two and two together.