Terrible crash: Critical injury to female sledder on the trail in Keweenaw County – Two snowmobilers sent to Marquette hospital in separate high-speed crashes on Wednesday in Baraga and Keweenaw counties

URGENT URGENT U.P. Breaking News Bulletin – 11-17-18 – 10:52 p.m. ET

Two sledders rushed to Marquette trauma center – one victim critically hurt  – after separate snowmobile crashes today

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

(Marquette, MI) – Two snowmobilers were rushed to the trauma center in Marquette, MI late today after separate crashes in Baraga and Keweenaw counties – and one sledder was in critical condition.

The worst crash was reported tonight in Keweenaw County.

An out-of-state woman was critically injured when she lost control of her sled in a curve and crashed into trees. The snowmobile received relatively light damage, however the sledder received multiple trauma-related injuries.

The crash happened on snowmobile Trail Number 134 near Madan Location.

The 28-year-old female victim was rushed to Aspirus-Keweenaw Hospital, and transferred a short while ago to U.P. Health System-Marquette suffering from multiple critical trauma-related injuries – and troubling vitals.

Those officials assisting on the scene included the Keweenaw County Sheriff’s department, Ahmeek Search and Rescue and Peninsula Auto Repair Towing and Recovery.

The crash is a tragic example of how a sledder can receive horrible injuries – and the snowmobile itself is barely scratched. female victim has “major trauma, multiple injuries.”

Meanwhile in Baraga County:

A rescue lasting almost two hours occurred in Baraga County this afternoon to get an injured snowmobiler off the trail.

The snowmobile crash was dispatched at 2:12 p.m. this afternoon, Wed., Jan. 17, 2018. The Bay Ambulance Service paramedics transported the victim to the Baraga hospital – and some EMS officials reportedly used snowmobiles to get on the trail.

The crash was reported on snowmobile Trail Number 15 near 14488 Arnheim Road near Pelkie, MI in Baraga Township.

While transporting the victim to U.P. Health System-Marquette, paramedics told doctors via radio that the victim suffered a shoulder fracture and a dislocated right ankle. All painful but not life-threatening injuries.

A WARNING TO ALL SNOWMOBILERS:

Despite recent heavy snow, U.P. trail conditions change rapidly – most wrecks involve curves, hitting trees, unfamiliarity with what’s coming up on the trail – and high speeds.
Slow down – and Live. Or face death or a life-changing painful injury

There have been five snowmobile fatalities in the past month across the Upper Peninsula. The latest victim – a 51-year-old Saginaw, MI man, was killed yesterday Tues., Jan. 16, 2018 in Chippewa County when he lost control in a curve and hit a tree in the eastern U.P. just south of famed White Fish Point.

Those killed in snowmobile crashes in the U.P. this winter include:

https://upperpeninsulabreakingnews.wordpress.com/2018/01/17/fifth-snowmobile-fatal-crash-in-a-month-in-the-upper-peninsula-claims-life-of-saginaw-man

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

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

Randy Alan Liddicoat

Jason Craig Bashor

Michele Marie ‘Shelly’ Megard

Jamie Steen

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

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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

Ishpeming man killed on M-95 when he intentionally walked into traffic and was hit by vehicle – wraps up terrible day on the roads of the Upper Peninsula: Semi tractor trailer hauling lumber crashes near McFarland, Grader hit and run in Gogebic County

URGENT – U.P. Breaking News Update 1-5-18 – 10:50 a.m. ET

Ishpeming man was killed days before his birthday – in apparent intentional act on M-95

Plus weather-related wrecks continue today (Fri., Jan.5, 2018) across the U.P.

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

(Humboldt Township, MI) – An Ishpeming, MI man was killed Thursday night just four days before his 34th birthday – when he was struck by a vehicle on M-95 north of Republic, MI.

The victim is 33-year-old Cory James Derocha of Ishpeming, MI.
Police are investigating the possibility that Derocha exited vehicle and laid in the roadway.

Derocha was riding with his girlfriend – and there was an argument. The vehicle stopped along M-95 after Derocha allegedly tried to grab the steeling wheel of his girlfriend’s vehicle. Derocha exited the vehicle. It is known that Derocha did walk or run onto M-95. Derocha allegedly had history of suicidal statements and depression.

 

Janey Christiansen

A female driving a Toyota car could not avoid Derocha. She has reportedly been terribly affected by the wreck.

That driver is 19-year-old Janey Christiansen of Iron Mountain, MI.

Christiansen was a Iron Mountain High School track stand-out and received a prestigious scholarship from the Beta Sigma Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International.

Derocha attended North Star Charter School, according to his Facebook page.

A young male child is the only photo on his Facebook page other than graphics from elsewhere.

In June 2014, a federal judge in Marquette denied a motion Derocha made – saying the rules in Marquette County do not allow a person to get out of the hole – in a case involving his son. Oppressive rules perpetrated by Marquette County officials seeking money from anyone who goes near the court –  make it hard for an honest father to get ahead, Derocha charged, adding the courts just want to lock a person up and collect fines and fees.

Derocha filed a document titled “To Whom it May Concern,” which “the Clerk has construed as a complaint against the Marquette County Circuit Court and the Marquette County Friend of the Court.
Derocha states that he’s unable to pay child support – asserting that he is “unfairly being thrown in jail by the Marquette County Court.”

The wreck happened on M-95 about 3 miles from U.S.-41 in Humboldt Township.

Derocha was pinned under the car – and Marquette County Rescue Squad 131 used tools to take that Toyota off the man, who was killed instantly. Low visibility and the icy, snow-covered roads are both factors in the crash. The investigation continues.

Those roads caused over 100 crashes across the U.P. on Thursday and its continues today (Friday, Jan. 5, 2018).

A car collided with lumber truck Friday morning on U.S.-41 in front of Cattron’s Lumber in Negaunee, MI. Several injuries reported and the crash is under investigation.

URGENT URGENT – U.P. Breaking News Bulletin and Traffic Advisory – 1-4-18 – 10 p.m. ET – Fatal crash on M-95 near Republic, MI

Upper Peninsula Roads remain deadly

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

(Upper Peninsula of Michigan) – Hundreds of crashes occurred across the Upper Peninsula on Thursday thanks to slippery roads and snow – starting with a grader crash in Gogebic County and ending with a fatal pedestrian accident on M-95 in Marquette County.

Numerous emergency vehicles are on the scene of a fatal accident on M-95 near CR 601/CR FNO  in Humboldt Township close to the railroad tracks. The accident is just north of Republic, MI.  It happened just before 10 p.m. ET Thurs., Jan. 4, 2018.

The crash took down a road sign located near the railroad tracks.

The victim was reportedly driving, stopped his vehicle and started walking along M-85 when he was struck. Officials have been asked to investigate whether narcotics or other drugs were involved.

Michigan State Police accident investigators were doing interviews, surveying the snow-covered scene and taking measurements into early Friday morning. 

Among others on the scene are the Marquette County Sheriff’s Department, Marquette County rescue Unit 131, and the Republic Township Volunteer Fire Department.

Expect M-95 to be tied up and intermittently closed for several hours.

Roads and highways continue to be deadly across the U.P. – despite local media ignoring serious wrecks and reporting the storm on a light note.

About 2 p.m. Thursday, a semi-tractor trailer truck slid off M-35 just north of McFarland. The trucking was hauling lumber – reportedly various lengths of two-by-four boards. The trucker was pinned in his rig – and was freed from his crushed cab using the Jaws of Life.

The driver was not injured. No other vehicles involved. Michigan State Police are investigating the wreck that occurred in Delta County not far from Marquette County line.

Meanwhile just before dawn in Gogebic County – a grader operator reported he has been broadsided by a hit and run pickup truck in Bessemer, MI. The Gogebic County Road Commission grader was heavily damaged, however the driver was not hurt.

“We got a hit and run – a guy just T-boned me here at Bessemer Auto,” the Gogebic County Road Commission grader operator told 911 over the radio.

“He is still in Bessemer – I see his taillights headed west,” the grader operator said.

The grader “is still in the intersection,” a Road Commission supervisor said.

“I am half way through the intersection and traffic is passing me,” said the grader operator – who was told not to move the grader until law enforcement arrived.

The suspect “smashed up his truck pretty good.”

The hit-and-run vehicle “lost a tire” and “there is glass and plastic everywhere” left behind by the smashed up GMC. At first it was though the vehicle might be a Chevy – but evidence left behind made it not doubt it is a GMC.

“I see the emblem laying here,” the grader operator said.

Police searched for the pickup – but it’s not clear if it was found.

Suspect Vehicle:
Black early 2000’s GMC with heavy front end damage.

Gogebic County, MI suffers a second snowmobile fatality in two days at end of 2017

U.P. Breaking News Bulletin – 12-30-17 2:20 p.m. CT –

For the second day in a row – a snowmobiler is killed in a crash in Gogebic County in the western U.P.

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

(Bessemer Township, MI) – A snowmobiler was killed this afternoon when his sled collided with a pickup truck on U.S.-2.

The crash was reported just after 1 p.m. CT this afternoon, Sat., Dec. 30, 2017 – and it is the second snowmobile fatality in Gogebic County in two days.

Paramedics with the Beacon Ambulance Service rushed the male snowmobile victim to Aspirus Ironwood Hospital, but he was dead on arrival. The victim is said to be a 52-year-old Wisconsin man.

The accident was reported on U.S.-2 at Prospect Drive (and Ramsay Rd. on south side) – where there are flashing lights. A winter storm is hitting Gogebic County and other areas along the Lake Superior shoreline.

Among the emergency responders and law enforcement on the scene were the Bessemer Township Volunteer Fire Department and the Gogebic County Sheriff’s Department.

Officials tried to reach a Michigan State Police Accident Investigator, however at 2 p.m. CT officials on the scene decided it was too risky to keep the vehicles on the scene and called for two wreckers – one a flatbed.

The driver of the pickup truck was apparently badly shaken up but not injured. One of the drivers is from Wisconsin – but not clear which man.

Meanwhile another fatal snowmobile accident happened in Gogebic County at about 11:30 a.m CT yesterday, Fri., Dec. 29, 2017 on Powderhorn Road just north of U.S.-2.
51-year-old Michele M. Megard of Hudson, WI was killed when she lost control of her sled while traveling with a group of snowmobilers on an unplowed right of way.
Megard was struck by another snowmobiler in her group.
The victim was dead on arrival at Aspirus Ironwood Hospital despite CPR by paramedics from Beacon Ambulance Service.
Alcohol is not a factor in the incident. The crash remains under investigation.
The Gogebic County Sheriff’s Department was assisted on the scene by the Michigan State Police – Wakefield Detachment (Post).