Two people survive 70 MPH snowmobile crash: Snowmobiler rushed to Munising hospital after being throw from his sled in Alger County Monday night while having fun in blizzard; Passenger road out the crash on sled

U.P. Breaking News Bulletin – 4-17-18 –12:15 a.m. ET

Alger County snowmobile crash sends rider to hospital; passenger shaken but not hurt

By Greg Peterson
U.P. Breaking News
Owner, News Director
906-273-2433

(Shingleton, MI) – There is lucky to be alive and there is TRULY LUCKY to be alive.

Two people on a snowmobile that crashed going very fast Monday night are truly lucky to be alive.

A snowmobiler crashed his sled Monday night while traveling about 70 miles per hour in Alger County while riding in the snowstorm that has dumped several feet of wet heavy snow.
Fortunately a female passenger on the sled was not ejected and rode it out on the snowmobile – and was not hurt but was shaken and in shock.

The accident happened about 8 p.m. ET Monday night, April 16, 2018 in Alger County near Shingleton wHere the snowmobiler and passenger were riding on a “bumpy” trail.

The man appears to have survived the high speed crash with few injuries, although first word from the scene stated he hit a tree – but thankfully for him that was not the case.

The victim is a 37-year-old man who was treated by Alger Med 2 paramedics rushed to Munising memorial Hospital by.
The sledder was wearing a helmet and “did not hit anything,” paramedics radioed to doctors in medical control at the trauma Center in Marquette, who decided it was best to take the man to the Munising hospital.

The victim “hit a bump in the trail” and “he was thrown from the sled” into the deep wet snow.
The female passenger told paramedics the male driver “was unresponsive for just a few seconds” immediately after being thrown from the sled.

The pair “extracted themselves from the trail” and sought help.

The male driver was “up and walking” after the crash and was put in a Michigan State Police vehicle to get warm. The man was “alert and oriented times four” – meaning for going 70 miles per hour during the crash the driver is in remarkably good condition.

A cervical collar was put on the man as a safety protocol and did not “suffer any extremity trauma” – so his legs and arms are relatively fine. The victim suffered a “laceration to the forehead area” and a bad black eye (left eye) with swelling down “into the cheek area.” Plus the man suffered tender “lower left back pain.”

After March 31 every year, state designated trails are not always groomed.

Here is some info from state of Michigan on snowmobiling after March 31st every year.
The trail permit enables snowmobilers to ride state-designated trails and public roads and public lands (where authorized).
It is valid for one year, which begins Oct. 1 and ends Sept. 30 of the following year.
State-designated trails are open Dec. 1-March 31 and grooming occurs when there is enough snow on the ground.

http://www.michigan.gov/som/0,4669,7-192-29929-32299–,00.html

Teen friends/fishing fanatics rescued – RESCUED and OK: Major night ice rescue underway at mouth of Au Train River in Alger County is successful – “Iceberg” breaks free with two people aboard

URGENT URGENT URGENT – U.P. Breaking News Bulletin – 3-27-18

Officials have identified the two fishermen rescued Tuesday night on a floating iceberg that broke off near the mouth of the Au Train River and floated 400 feet from shore into Shelter Bay on Lake Superior.

Waylon James Rondeau

Donald “Owen” Tucker

17-year-old Donald “Owen” Tucker of Ishpeming, MI and 18-year-old Waylon James Rondeau of Chatham, MI were rescued using a rapid deployment craft with three specially-trained ice rescue personnel aboard.

You can tell by their Facebook pages that these young men are fishing and hunting fanatics – and kudos to the friends as they kept cool when a would-be crisis arose.
Among those assisting in the rescue were Alger County EMS, Alger County Rescue 21 and the the Au Train Township Volunteer Fire Department.

9:27 p.m.
Both rescued! Both OK – No need for EMS

---

URGENT – U.P. Breaking News Bulletin – 3-27-18 8:25 p.m. ET

Night Ice Rescue: Two people on runaway ice flow in Alger County on Lake Superior

By Greg Peterson
U.P. Breaking News
Owner, News Director
906-273-2433

(Alger County, MI) – Numerous emergency personnel are headed to a report of two people stuck on an “iceberg” type ice flow that is floating toward Lake Superior in Au Train Bay.
The pair are floating on a ledge of ice at the mouth of the Au Train River at Lake Superior.

The rescue began about 8:40 p.m. ET tonight Tuesday March 27, 2018.

The two people are floating out into Au Train Bay on Lake Superior on a large chunk of ice that broke free from near the shore at the mouth of the Au Train River.

It appears at third person with the group is safe onshore – and we think its two men on the ice flow.

One official said the hovercraft may be difficult to use – and suggested they swim to the victims.

“I sounds like they are on iceberg about 50 yards long – that broke free and was ten feet from shore but now” has drifted offshore,” the dispatcher told firefighters and other emergency officials responding to the scene.

This includes specially-trained ice rescue officers in special water suits from Alger County Sheriff’s Department and Alger County EMS paramedics and rescue personnel – and Alger Rescue 21.

Hatchet Accident: 27-year-old man seriously injures index finger in Friday hatchet mishap in Alger County, MI

URGENT U.P. Breaking News Bulletin – 3-17-18 – 7:05 a.m. ET

Hatchet accident in Alger County sends man to trauma center in Marquette to save his index finger – surgeons needed for hatchet job

By Greg Peterson
U.P. Breaking News
Owner, News Director
906-273-2433

(Eben, MI) – A 27-year-old Upper Peninsula man, who suffered an accidental but massive hatch wound to his middle finger, just may be lucky enough to keep that digit.
If he keeps that index finger, it may be due to the quick reaction by family members to slow or stop the bleeding, and carefully wrapped in gauze, keep pressure, and treated with ice.

The man was rushed by Alger Med ambulance to U.P. Health System – Marquette arriving at approximately 5:10 p.m. ET on Friday evening.

The incident happened just before 3:30 p.m. ET on Friday, March 16, 2018 in Alger County, MI.

Emergency officials were paged to respond to 1216 ET Road in Mathias Township. ET Road is also known by other names including as the Eben-Trenary (ET) Road.

Trauma surgeons and other specialized experts were expected to asses the severity, chances to retain, and order surgery.

U.P. Breaking News does not have the victim’s name, or latest condition.
U.P. Breaking News is not aware of the outcome of the surgery. If you know please call us, or contact us privately through Facebook.

Those responding included Alger Med One, Rock River Township First Responders and Mathias Township First Responders.
Those rushing to the scene were told by a dispatcher that the 27 year-old man accidentally “hit himself in the finger with a hatchet.”

The injury involved a “hatchet to a finger – the finger is hanging… the hatchet was moving,” a dispatcher radioed to emergency officials now close to the scene.
A first responder on the scene kept Alger Med EMS fully informed about the injuries.

The victim “had a hatchet hit is left index finger,” the paramedics were told. “Family states there has been no separation.”

“Family was able to bandage it,” radioed a Rock River First Responder from the scene to Alger Med EMS  – that was rushing to the home. “They looked at it – its dry right now – there is no blood coming through the bandages at this time.”

“I’m sitting with the patient holding pressure,” the first responder said.

The family “said its just a flap of skin that was laid open – there has been no amputation,” she said.

“It looks like a large piece of skin – they said they could see fatty tissue and the bone – from the knuckle up to the finger tip,” she told arriving paramedics. “They (family) had it wrapped, seems like bleed is controlled”

“He’s been alert, orientated – he has been tolerating all basic vitals very well.” the paramedic radioed Medical Control at the trauma center in Marquette, MI.
The ambulance was about 25 minutes from Marquette.

“The finger is wrapped with gauze” and the blood flow and swelling is being treated with a cold pack, the attending paramedic said.

Here is a file photo of a similar injury:

U.P. Breaking News, and we are sure many others, wish the man a full and speedy recovery.

Upper Peninsula sledders defy death – will their luck last? Three hurt Wednesday in high speed U.P. snowmobile crashes

URGENT U.P. Breaking News Bulletin – 2-22-18 – 6:10 a.m. ET

Three dramatic high speed snowmobile crashes seriously injures sledders on Wednesday in three U.P. Counties

Sleds crash traveling too fast – two U.P. snowmobilers hit trees and another is launched 60 feet into the air

By Greg Peterson
U.P. Breaking News
Owner, News Director
906-273-2433

(Upper Peninsula of Michigan) – At least three U.P. snowmobilers are lucky to be alive this morning after crashing their sleds at a high rate of speed on Wednesday – and two had to be airlifted from the scene to the trauma center in Marquette.

A 26-year-old man was airlifted to Marquette late Wednesday night, Feb. 21, 2018 by Valley Med Flight
The victim crashed his snowmobile in the Hiawatha National Forest in a remote area of Alger County.
The victim hit a tree so hard – it left a big dent in his helmet.
“There was significant damage to his helmet,” one rescuer radioed.

It was estimated he was traveling about 60 miles per hour when he lost control and slammed his snowmobile into a tree.
The crash was reportedly near or on snowmobile Trail Number 8 – in Au Train Township, MI.
The crash was reported just after 10 p.m. ET, Wednesday night.
The Valley Med flight chopper landed on M-94 to load the victim.
The Au Train Township Volunteer Fire Department set up a landing zone on M-94 at Wyman Road.
The man had just been on 15-minute ride on a rescue sled aka “The Blue Bubble.”
Alger Rescue 21 helped treat the victim and get him ready for medivac.
The 26-year-old male snowmobiler was seriously hurt. He was flown to U.P. Health System – Marquette.
The victim had an open femur fracture to his upper left leg – and apparently broke his hip.
The man also injured his left elbow and a small gash to his face – and possible head injuries . Despite his injuries, the man had strong vital signs.
Assisting with snowmobiles and manpower were U.S. Forest Service, Alger County Sheriff’s Department, and Michigan State Police.

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Meanwhile, about 5:40 p.m. ET Wednesday night -a snowmobiler was seriously hurt when he crashed his sled in a remote area near the Delta County – Schoolcraft County line.
The 37-year-old victim reportedly suffered a broken pelvic and other injuries.
Firefighters set up landing zone on USFS Highway 13 near the Midway Store – north of Cooks, MI in a remote area that is close to the Delta County and Schoolcraft County line.

The victim was about 12 miles NW of E. County Line Road. The crash was near “the trail head” on Forest Highway 440.
The victim is a 37-year-old male who was airlifted to the Marquette trauma center.
The man reportedly lost control of his sled and hit trees going about 60 mph.

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And in Marquette County during the Wednesday noon hour, a snowmobiler traveling too fast found his sled shooting 60-feet into the air and slamming back to the ground.
The crash happened at 12:25 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2018 in Sands Township.
47-year-old Jeremy Carl Beerman of Marquette, MI was eastbound along power lines just west of Snowmobile Trail Number 8 – and about a mile and a half south of Station Road.
Suddenly, his sled hit a ravine near the railroad track overpass. Beerman and his sled were launched some 60 feet.
The victim was suffering from compression and back injuries. He was taken by ambulance to the Marquette hospital.
Those assisting the Marquette County Sheriff’s Department were the Sands Township Volunteer Fire Department, Sands Township EMS, and U.P. Health System-Marquette paramedics.

—

 

Woodstove made “weird noises” at home in Soo Township involving a spreading chimney fire: Plus Soo snowmobile destroyed by fire; and rescue underway at Eben Ice Caves

U.P. Breaking News Bulletin – 2-8-18 – 1:50 p.m.

Noon hour fire damages home in Soo Township and another blaze destroys snowmobile in Sault Ste. Marie, MI  – plus rescue underway at the Eben Ice Caves

By Greg Peterson
U.P. Breaking News
Owner, News Director
906-273-2433

(Sault Ste. Marie, MI) – A stubborn and very smoky fire has Soo Township firefighters battling spreading flames.

In addition, about 12:49 p.m. firefighters were notified of a burning “fully engulfed” snowmobile fire in Sault Ste. Marie.

And at about 12:58 p.m., a woman was reported injured near the Eben Ice Caves in Alger County, MI.

Shortly after noon, firefighters from Soo Township Volunteer Fire Department were sent to a possible chimney fire at 5750 S. Riverside Drive between East 5 Mile Road and East 6 Mile Road.”

“The house is filling with smoke after the woodstove starting making weird noises,” the Chippewa County 911 dispatcher said.

Firefighters arrived to find the home filled with smoke – and flames coming out of the garage.

All the occupants of the home evacuated. No injuries were reported.

And a snowmobile was found burning in Sault Ste. Marie in the area of Greenough Street between East Portage Avenue and Maple Street. Officials are in the process of trying to find the owner of the snowmobile.

And about 1 p.m., the Rock River Township Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to a rescue near the Eben Ice Caves in Alger County, MI. Alger EMS was en-route.

The subzero temps made the rescue that much more vital.

A 48-year-old woman walking on the very slippery ice caves hiking trail and fell.

The woman said she apparently broke her knee and is unable to walk. Emergency officials have launched a rescue to carry the woman off the trail and to a hospital – likely U.P. Health System-Marquette.

“She is almost to the Eben Ice Caves on the hiking trail,” a dispatcher told firefighters, adding the victim is unable to get up or walk.

“We have seven firefighters here to carry her out,” said one rescue worker who arrived on the scene.

An EMT said they were stabilizing the knee and the firefighters are going to carry her out on a stretcher.

The length of the ice cave trail is about three-quarters of a mile. Other than the serious knee injury, the victim was reported doing okay.

34-year-old Jordan Michael Randall of Port Huron, MI is in serious condition at Marquette, MI trauma center – Snowmobiler spends 10 minutes in freezing Alger County river – and 45 minutes wet and freezing cold before being found – and he was flown to U.P. Health System-Marquette

URGENT – U.P. Breaking News Bulletin – 2-7-18

A Port Huron, MI man remains in serious condition in a Marquette, MI trauma center  following that snowmobile crash into a river Sunday night in Shingleton, MI.

34-year-old Jordan Michael Randall of Port Huron, MI was  flown from the scene in Alger County to U.P. Health Systems-Marquette – where he remains in serious condition.

Another snowmobiler remains in critical condition at U.P. Health System-Marquette.

At least six snowmobilers have died in crashes in the Upper Peninsula – since mid Dec. 2017.

2-5-18 – 1:40 a.m. ET

Injured snowmobiler spends 10 minutes in Alger County stream – and 45 minutes in the freezing cold before being found – this after crashing his sled at a high rate of speed near Shingleton, MI

By Greg Peterson
U.P. Breaking News
Owner, News Director
906-273-2433

(Alger County, MI) – A snowmobiler with a serious back injury was choppered to the hospital in Marquette early this morning after landing in an Alger County river.

The 34-year-old victim spent 45 minutes wet and freezing before he was found. The man told paramedics he was actually in the river for 10 minutes.

The accident happened about 11 p.m. Sunday night. Once found it was a team effort to keep him warm while awaiting the airborne medivac chopper – Valley Med Flight.

Immediately those on the scene started warming him. Alger Med EMS, Alger County Rescue (Unit) 21. and the Alger County Sheriff’s Department – all had crews on the scene.

The snowmobiler left Snowmobile Trail #8 at a high rate of speed – and crashed his sled into the river. The accident happened on Trail #8 in Shingleton near M-28. Excessive speed and alcohol are believed to be factors in the crash.

Officials have not released the man’s name or hometown. The crash is still being investigated by the sheriff’s department.

The man was very cold and reported he has an extremely sore back.

The extent of the back injury is not known, although it was dispatched as a possible broken back and he was declared a priority one patient when flown to Marquette.

The victim ended up in Hickey Creek – which is much more of a river than a creek.

A landing site was set up in Shingleton, MI at the Tanglewood Inn on M-28.

The victim was flown from the landing site in Alger County to Marquette about 12:35 a.m. today, Dec. 5, 2018 by Valley Med Flight medevac. It was about a 25 minute fight.

Paramedics and law enforcement were dispatched to the Hickey Creek Bridge behind the Tanglewood Inn. The area is close to Snowmobile Trail 8.

The victim has “severe pain in the back,” flight paramedics radioed to doctors at U.P. Health System-Marquette. He had stable vitals signs. The victim had movement in all four extremities (legs, arms).

Marquette Police Photo

This was one of several snowmobile accidents across the U.P. this weekend including four snowmobiles that plummeted to the bottom of Lake superior while the sledders were crossing unstable ice off Grand Island near Munising. The Saturday morning crash left them cold but uninjured. There is an on going warning about unstable ice in and around Munising Bay.

http://www.munisingsnow.com/UserFiles/File/munisingsnowmap.pdf

Saturday night house fire in Alger County, MI

URGENT – U.P. Breaking News Bulletin – 2-3-18 – 7:21 p.m. ET

Eben, MI home on fire

By Greg Peterson
U.P. Breaking News
Owner, News Director
906-273-2433

(Eben, MI) – Firefighters are battling a smoky house fire in Alger County – located south of M-94 in Rock River Township, MI.

The Rock River Township Volunteer Fire Department requested mutual aid for additional tanker trucks.

The first fire official on the scene said the fire had not broken through the roof – but lots of smoke was pouring out of the home. However the fire spread.
At 8:31 p.m., the fire chief requested that UPPCO be sent to the scene.

“We’ve got flames right up to the electrical box,” the chief radioed the dispatcher.

The fire was reported by neighbors at about 7:45 p.m. ET tonight, Sat., Feb. 3, 2018.

The scene is reported at or near address 5275 Koski Road – at the very end of the road.

Those responding for mutual aid include the Mathias Township Volunteer Fire Department and the Au Train Township Volunteer Fire Department. A tanker from Christmas, MI was also sent – likely with the Munising Township Volunteer Fire Department.  No injuries were reported as of 8:30 p.m. ET.

A winter storm is underway – and the conditions at the time of the fire were 12 Degrees Fahrenheit  and snowing with calm wind.

Neighbors told firefighters they do not believe anybody was in the home at the time of the fire.

Fifth snowmobile fatal crash in a month in the Upper Peninsula claims life of Saginaw man

U.P. Breaking News Bulletin – 1-17-18 11:45 a.m. ET

Blood on the Trails: Five people killed in a month on Upper Peninsula snowmobile trails – the latest a Saginaw, MI man

By Greg Peterson
Upper Peninsula Breaking News
Owner, News Director
906-273-2433

(Eckermann, MI) – A Saginaw, MI man on Tuesday afternoon became the fifth person to die in an Upper Peninsula snowmobile accident this winter – and in just over a month.

The crash was reported in Northwest Chippewa County about 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday afternoon, Jan. 16, 2018.

The wreck happened on Trail Number 8 between M-123 and W. Curley Lewis Memorial Highway – just south of Paradise, MI – not far from the Silver Creek Grill and Pub in Eckermann, MI.

Among those assisting on the scene were Whitefish Township EMS, Whitefish Township Fire, Michigan Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officers and the Chippewa County Sheriff’s Department.

The victim – a 51-year-old Saginaw man – lost control in a curve and struck a tree along the trail. He was traveling with a group of other snowmobilers when the crash occurred.

CPR was performed by emergency officials, however the victim was dead on arrival at the Helen Newberry Joy Hospital in Newberry, MI. Trail Number 8 is the main snowmobile trail that stretches across the Upper Peninsula.

The DNR and other law enforcement is reminding sledders to slow down and drive safely in the wake of five snowmobile fatalities in the U.P. in only a month. High speed and lack of familiarity with trails that often have rapidly changing conditions especially during storms.

Many riders lose control in curves they do not expect while traveling too fast – and hit trees or other objects

https://upperpeninsulabreakingnews.wordpress.com/2018/01/16/tragedy-on-the-trails-terrible-snowmobile-crash-reported-in-chippewa-county-mi

https://upperpeninsulabreakingnews.wordpress.com/2018/01/15/fiery-early-monday-morning-snowmobile-crash-sends-sledder-to-ironwood-mi-hospital-with-serious-injuries-funerals-held-this-weekend-and-one-planned-this-week-for-three-of-the-four-people-killed-in-u

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Snowmobile Fatalities 2017-2018 winter:
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Wed., Jan. 10, 2018 – southern Houghton County, MI

Jamie Travis Steen

41-year-old Jamie Travis Steen of rural Curtiss, Wisconsin
Killed after losing control of sled on a curve on Trail 8 and hit a tree in remote Houghton County – off M-28
Factors include speed

Steen was married and the father of four daughters
He was in the construction business all his lifr and owned SJS Excavating, a sewer and sewer line construction company in Curtiss, WI.
A memorial service will be held this Wed., Jan. 17, 2018.

http://maurinaschilling.com/lifestory/clouds/home.html?Year=2018&Month=1&Day=10&FirstName=Jamie&LastName=Steen

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Sat., Dec. 30, 2017 – Gogebic County, MI

Randy Alan Liddicoat

52-year-old Randy Alan Liddicoat of Evansville, Wisconsin
Victim was trying to cross U.S.-2 at Ramsay crossing about 1 p.m. in Gogebic County – struck by an eastbound pickup truck.
Factors include low visibility/snowy conditions

Liddicoat loved snowmobiling and attending Wisconsin Badger football games with his two sons. Liddicoat was active in fishing, golf, Midget and Sprint car racing, and other sports including still holding high school cross country records. He loved his two dogs (Olive and Henry) and enjoyed relaxing with family and friends.

A farmer in his younger years, Liddicoat worked at Covance Laboratories and Millwork Specialists of Wisconsin in Madison. He was a co-owner of Liddicoat Lawncare Services LLC with his sons Brett and Blake. A memorial service was held on Sat., Jan. 13, 2018.

http://www.wardhurtley.com/obituaries/Randy-Alan-Liddicoat?obId=2853600#/obituaryInfo

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Fri., Dec. 29, 2017 – Gogebic County, MI

Michele Marie ‘Shelly’ Megard

51-year-old Michele Marie “Shelly” Megard of Hudson, Wisconsin
Riding with other sledders in a group on an unplowed right of way on Powerhorn Road – north of U.S.-2 in Bessemer Township, MI.
Victim lost control of her machine about 11:30 a.m., overturned in ditch and was run over by another snowmobile.
Factors include visibility/snowy weather

Visitation and a celebration of life was held Sat., Jan. 13, 2018.

http://www.lakesidememorialchapel.com/fh/obituaries/obituary.cfm?o_id=4507135&fh_id=12415

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Sun., Dec. 17, 2017 – Alger County, MI

Jason Craig Bashor

34-year-old Jason Craig Bashor of Pocomoke City, Maryland

Shaena Leigh Hicks

A friend and co-worker in meteorology – 34-year-old Shaena Leigh Hicks of Greenbackville, Virginia suffered serious injuries in the crash.

Both were on travel assignment in the U.P. Hicks is a meteorologist at Orbital ATK in Virginia – a company that does work in military satellites, space travel, missiles and defense systems. Hicks, a married mother of two, is a native of Roanoke, VA.

The pair was traveling together in separate snowmobiles – lost control on Trail #8 curve, left the trail, struck multiple trees- about a mile west of M-94 in Shingleton, MI.

Factors include excessive speed and operational inexperience.

Jason Craig Bashor

A father of two, Bashor served in the Navy from 2002 until 2012.

Bashor was currently an Electrical Tech 3 working as a Senior Ground Validation Systems Technician for A.S.R.C. Fed. Space and Defense (AS&D) at the NASA Wallops Flight Facility in Wallops Island, VA

Bashor was on a travel assignment in Michigan.

Funeral services were held on Sat., Dec. 23, 2017 in Pocomoke City, MD.

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/delmarvanow/obituary.aspx?pid=187577174

https://upperpeninsulabreakingnews.wordpress.com/2017/12/17/fatal-sunday-snowmobile-crash-in-alger-county-mi-one-of-several-upper-peninsula-snowmobile-accidents-this-weekend/
https://www.orbitalatk.com/
https://www.nasa.gov/centers/wallops/home
https://www.nasa.gov/centers/wallops/visitorcenter
http://asrcfederal.com/news/asrc-federal-space-and-defense-selected-nasa-wallops-engineering-contract
http://wrkr.com/keweenaw-rocket-range/

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U.P. Snowmobile info

http://www.upsnowmobiling.com/trail-maps

http://www.uptravel.com/snowmobile-trail-report-54/

Snowmobile Trail Report

Western Upper Peninsula – By County

Central Upper Peninsula – By County

Eastern Upper Peninsula – By County

Jason Craig Bashor

Michele Marie ‘Shelly’ Megard

Randy Alan Liddicoat

Jamie Steen

Fiery early Monday morning snowmobile crash sends sledder to Ironwood, MI hospital with serious injuries – Funerals held this weekend and one planned this week for three of the four people killed in U.P. snowmobile crashes in past month

U.P. Breaking News Bulletin – 1-15-18 – 7:50 a.m. ET

Fiery Crash: Snowmobile catches fire after this morning’s crash that sent man to Ironwood, MI hospital

In less than a month, four people have been killed in Upper Peninsula snowmobile wrecks – and numerous others seriously injured including this weekend

Jamie Steen

Randy Alan Liddicoat

Jason Craig Bashor

Michele Marie ‘Shelly’ Megard

By Greg Peterson
Upper Peninsula Breaking News
Owner, News Director
906-273-2433

(Ironwood, MI) – An early morning fiery snowmobile crash in Iron County, WI has sent one man with serious injuries to an Ironwood, MI hospital.

The crash was reported about 2:45 a.m. CT today, Mon., Jan. 15, 2018 in Oma, Wisconsin.

Meanwhile – memorial services are planned this Wednesday for one of four people killed in the past month in Upper Peninsula snowmobile accidents. Funerals for two of other victims were held on Saturday.

Early today, a male snowmobiler was rushed by beacon Ambulance Service paramedics to the Aspirus Ironwood Hospital suffering from a head and other injuries. The crash happened on a snowmobile trail along Town Hall road near Oma, WI – just off of U.S. Highway 51.

The 23-year-old sledder lost control of his snowmobile and crashed into thick, deep brush. His snowmobile then caught fire. The name of the victim has not been released.

Paramedics radioed Aspirus doctors estimating the victim was traveling about 40 to 50 miles per hour on his machine when the crash occurred.

The victim is suffering from severe pain to the left knee, thigh and right rib. He suffered head injuries despite wearing a helmet. The victim was said to “be confused” is unsure if he was knocked out and could not tell paramedics today’s date.

There were two serious snowmobile accidents on Saturday, Jan 13, 2018  in Alger County, MI.

Two male sledders were involved in separate crashes a few hours apart on Saturday night – and both were seriously injured although the injuries did not appear to be life-threatening.

The names of those sledders have not been released.

One was flown by Valley Med Flight to U.P. Health System-Marquette  to be treated for a head injury – while the second victim – a Wisconsin man in his 40s – was transported by ambulance with multiple broken bones including a compound fracture.

The first accident happened on a trail near the Camel Riders Restaurant and Resort located just off State Highway 440 – and to the west of Hiawatha National Forest Service Forest Service Road H-13.

The second crash happened on a trail in the Hovey Lakes area – near the Buckhorn Resort/Inn.

https://upperpeninsulabreakingnews.wordpress.com/2018/01/13/snowmobilecrash/

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Snowmobile Fatalities 2017-2018 winter:
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Wed., Jan. 10, 2018 – southern Houghton County, MI

Jamie Travis Steen

41-year-old Jamie Travis Steen of rural Curtiss, Wisconsin
Killed after losing control of sled on a curve on Trail 8 and hit a tree in remote Houghton County – off M-28
Factors include speed

Steen was married and the father of four daughters
He was in the construction business all his lifr and owned SJS Excavating, a sewer and sewer line construction company in Curtiss, WI.
A memorial service will be held this Wed., Jan. 17, 2018.

http://maurinaschilling.com/lifestory/clouds/home.html?Year=2018&Month=1&Day=10&FirstName=Jamie&LastName=Steen

——-

Sat., Dec. 30, 2017 – Gogebic County, MI

Randy Alan Liddicoat

52-year-old Randy Alan Liddicoat of Evansville, Wisconsin
Victim was trying to cross U.S.-2 at Ramsay crossing about 1 p.m. in Gogebic County – struck by an eastbound pickup truck.
Factors include low visibility/snowy conditions

Liddicoat loved snowmobiling and attending Wisconsin Badger football games with his two sons. Liddicoat was active in fishing, golf, Midget and Sprint car racing, and other sports including still holding high school cross country records. He loved his two dogs (Olive and Henry) and enjoyed relaxing with family and friends.

A farmer in his younger years, Liddicoat worked at Covance Laboratories and Millwork Specialists of Wisconsin in Madison. He was a co-owner of Liddicoat Lawncare Services LLC with his sons Brett and Blake. A memorial service was held on Sat., Jan. 13, 2018.

http://www.wardhurtley.com/obituaries/Randy-Alan-Liddicoat?obId=2853600#/obituaryInfo

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Fri., Dec. 29, 2017 – Gogebic County, MI

Michele Marie ‘Shelly’ Megard

51-year-old Michele Marie “Shelly” Megard of Hudson, Wisconsin
Riding with other sledders in a group on an unplowed right of way on Powerhorn Road – north of U.S.-2 in Bessemer Township, MI.
Victim lost control of her machine about 11:30 a.m., overturned in ditch and was run over by another snowmobile.
Factors include visibility/snowy weather

Visitation and a celebration of life was held Sat., Jan. 13, 2018.

http://www.lakesidememorialchapel.com/fh/obituaries/obituary.cfm?o_id=4507135&fh_id=12415

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Sun., Dec. 17, 2017 – Alger County, MI

Jason Craig Bashor

34-year-old Jason Craig Bashor of Pocomoke City, Maryland

Shaena Leigh Hicks

A friend and co-worker in meteorology – 34-year-old Shaena Leigh Hicks of Greenbackville, Virginia suffered serious injuries in the crash.

Both were on travel assignment in the U.P. Hicks is a meteorologist at Orbital ATK in Virginia – a company that does work in military satellites, space travel, missiles and defense systems. Hicks, a married mother of two, is a native of Roanoke, VA.

The pair was traveling together in separate snowmobiles – lost control on Trail #8 curve, left the trail, struck multiple trees- about a mile west of M-94 in Shingleton, MI.

Factors include excessive speed and operational inexperience.

Jason Craig Bashor

A father of two, Bashor served in the Navy from 2002 until 2012.

Bashor was currently an Electrical Tech 3 working as a Senior Ground Validation Systems Technician for A.S.R.C. Fed. Space and Defense (AS&D) at the NASA Wallops Flight Facility in Wallops Island, VA

Bashor was on a travel assignment in Michigan.

Funeral services were held on Sat., Dec. 23, 2017 in Pocomoke City, MD.

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/delmarvanow/obituary.aspx?pid=187577174

https://upperpeninsulabreakingnews.wordpress.com/2017/12/17/fatal-sunday-snowmobile-crash-in-alger-county-mi-one-of-several-upper-peninsula-snowmobile-accidents-this-weekend/
https://www.orbitalatk.com/
https://www.nasa.gov/centers/wallops/home
https://www.nasa.gov/centers/wallops/visitorcenter
http://asrcfederal.com/news/asrc-federal-space-and-defense-selected-nasa-wallops-engineering-contract
http://wrkr.com/keweenaw-rocket-range/

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U.P. Snowmobile info

http://www.upsnowmobiling.com/trail-maps

http://www.uptravel.com/snowmobile-trail-report-54/

Snowmobile Trail Report

Western Upper Peninsula – By County

Central Upper Peninsula – By County

Eastern Upper Peninsula – By County

Jason Craig Bashor

Michele Marie ‘Shelly’ Megard

Randy Alan Liddicoat

Jamie Steen

Second time this month a person injured at Snow Bird Motel – Two days after being burned over 50 percent of his body, man calls for ambulance to the motel in Mathias Township, MI – Two weeks after man trapped in burning cabin at same Alger County motel but escaped with minor injuries after much coaxing

U.P. Breaking News Bulletin – 12-23-17 1:05 p.m. ET

Man seriously burned in Alger County motel – second injury this month at same motel

By Greg Peterson
U.P. Breaking News
Owner, News Director
906-273-2433

(Trenary, MI) – A man was just admitted to a Marquette hospital in serious condition – two days after receiving severe burns in Alger County.
The call came in about 10:45 a.m. today, Sat., Dec. 23, 2017 in Mathias Township.
The victim “has burns all over his body,” a 911 dispatcher told responding medical officials. The name of the man has not been released.

The man – said to be in his 50s – was calling from Cabin #5 at the Snow Bird Motel located on U.S.-41 south between Trenary and Rapid River Among those responding were Alger Med Two and Trenary First Responders.

The Snow Bird Motel is located at N1002 U.S.-41 South. The motel is located in Alger County about 8 to 10 miles from the Delta County line.

The victim reportedly told paramedics that he fell on a heater two days ago – although details of the incident are not known.

The victim’s burns were said to be on the low half of his body including arms, legs and toes – but apparently not around his face. It is unclear why he laid in the cabin for two days before calling for help.

The paramedics were told to wrap the burns in dry gauze but not too tightly to help with the pain. He was also given meds. The severity and depth of the burns is not clear.

The victim was rushed by Alger Med Two to the emergency room at U.P. Health System – Marquette. The man’s condition is believed to be serious and possibly critical – as burns are very tricky to treat so its unclear if his condition is life-threatening. These days victim’s conditions are not released publicly by some agencies and hospitals.

It is the second strange incident at the Blue Motel in two weeks.
On Dec. 6, 2017, a fire destroyed a Cabin #4 at the motel – and an intoxicated man was trapped in the room – but finally he was convinced to leave the burning structure but not before receiving smoke inhalation. To get it right, Rock River Township First Responders/Fire did respond as mutual to the first incident but not today. That first fire involved several departments.
Not sure if it was same victim or just bad luck at the motel.
Read more on that story:
https://upperpeninsulabreakingnews.wordpress.com/2017/12/06/at-least-one-injured-in-a-cabin-fire-at-the-snowbird-hotel-in-trenary-mi/