URGENT U.P. Breaking News Bulletin – 1-19-17 11 p.m. URGENT URGENT More Tragedy on the U.P. Trails – A young Schoolcraft County man died today working/repairing a groomer – U.P. snowmobile season started with tragedy – and recovered til now
A snowmobile trail groomer – who loved his job – was killed in Schoolcraft County Thursday during a freak groomer accident in a groomer’s barn in Seney
After tragic start, then great conditions, this Upper Peninsula snowmobile season continues to change lives and break hearts – A painful season in all corners of the U.P.
Remembering – Tyler Barker – a Schoolcraft County trail groomer with a heart of gold – who died today way before his time (below see the groomer photo he recently posted, also a video of the young man two years ago enjoying summer with his friends)
By Greg Peterson
U.P. Breaking News
Owner, News Director
906-273-2433
(Seney, MI) – A young snowmobile trail groomer – who was thrilled by his job – was killed Thursday during a freak accident involving a groomer.
The victim has been identified by other groomers and family friends online. Those posts identified the victim as Tyler Barker, in his 20s. Tyler is the son of John and Marcy Barker of Germfask, MI. The victim is survived by his parents, a brother, John Barker; and a sister.
There is a lot of conflicting information on what exactly happened that caused Barker to become so seriously injured by a groomer. Numerous sources say he was pinned – but others who claim to know refuse to comment.
Tyler Barker graduated from the Manistique High School class of 2014, according to his Facebook page that explains his love for groomers and enjoying life. The accident reportedly happened Thursday afternoon near Seney, MI in Schoolcraft County. Some online comments to this story say the incident happened inside a groomer’s barn.
For 30 years, Schoolcraft County is one of the most secretive places – not revealing many things that happened – and that is true with this story.
U.P. Breaking News was told the accident happened Thursday afternoon – along or near – a snowmobile trail. Presumably this groomers barn is near a snowmobile trail (however no officials have commented – and some who claim to know say the groomer’s barn is not near a trail).
U.P. Breaking News would like to report exactly what happened – however numerous online comments from people who claim to know – do not shed any light on this terrible incident. Plus Schoolcraft County officials never return phone calls only adding to rumors people are spreading. Even those who claim to know have varying accounts – as some say it happened in the barn and others say outside but not near a trail.
By all accounts, the paramedics/EMTs/First Responders did everything they could to save Tyler Barker – including CPR all the way to M-28 in Marquette County – where the victim was transferred to an U.P. Health System – Marquette ambulance with advanced life support.
This photo was posted by Tyler Barker on January 13, 2017 – less than a week before his terrible accident Thurs., Jan. 18, 2017 (further down is a video he posted):
The young man “was severely injured this afternoon in Seney,” said one of the condolences.
DNR photo of trailer groomer wreck in Luce County during 2016-2017 Christmas and New Year holidays when U.P. trail conditions were soft and melting
Officials have not put out a news release. Several sources say Tyler Barker was rushed by Luce County EMS to Marquette. However, his injuries were too serious and he died at U.P. Health System – Marquette.
Members of the Tahquamenon Area Snowmobile Association tonight are said to be in shock and mourning the loss of Tyler Barker.
Tyler Barker on Facebook:
Several tragic accidents in Luce County – and other areas of the U.P. – over the Christmas and New Year holidays that seriously injured several people as trail conditions had deteriorated due to unseasonably warm weather. Those incidents caused statewide reaction from snowmobilers.
Since cold returned, trail conditions improved drastically. However, the U.P. has had another spell of warm weather. So beware of all trail conditions as warmer weather conditions that can make snow and the trails soft.
Upper Peninsula Breaking News by Greg Peterson 