A 26-year-old male snowmobiler died on January 19 in Colorado, the result of a serious wreck near Steamboat Springs.

According to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, their team was called to the scene of the rollover accident in the area just south of Rabbit Ears Peak at about 11 a.m. on January 19.

Upon their arrival, it was determined that the 26-year-old snowmobiler from Bowling Green, Ohio had flipped the snowmobile he was operating while traveling on steep terrain.

Evidence at the scene indicated that while the male ascended a slope, the snowmobile flipped backward, pinning him underneath the machine and causing a fatal injury.

He was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Condolences go out to those impacted by this tragic death.

Snowmobiling in Colorado’s backcountry terrain can be dangerous and unpredictable. Many snowmobiles weigh between 500 and 700 pounds, which can cause serious bodily injury or death when the rider ends up underneath the machine.

While the experience level of the rider involved in this tragic incident was not noted in the press release on the matter, it’s worth noting that all new snowmobilers should consider a guided tour for their first outing. Many companies around Colorado offer this experience and generally, these tours take place on well-established trails where speed is also somewhat controlled and hazards are mitigated.