According to New York State Forest Ranger Lee, on Saturday, January 28, 2023 at 4:30 pm, he overheard radio traffic from Herkimer County 911 reporting a snowmobile accident on Stillwater Reservoir in the Town of Webb. Herkimer County 911 indicated there were two accidents and both victims were at the Stillwater Restaurant.
Ranger Lee reportedly arrived at 4:40 pm and located the two snowmobilers from Pennsylvania. A 53-year-old suffered a head injury and could not remember the accident nor how he got to the restaurant. He also had abdominal pain and a significant hand injury. A 14-year-old subject was having difficulty breathing and suffering from chest pain.
Forest Rangers Bills and Stone arrived at 5 pm to assist with patient care and at 6 pm the 14-year-old was airlifted to the hospital by Mercy Flight and the 53-year-old was taken to the hospital by Old Forge Ambulance.
Rangers said the accidents were caused by a pressure crack that crosses the main portion of the lake where the trail crosses. Pressure cracks form on frozen bodies of water, move without notice, and are difficult to see.
DEC says Snowmobilers should take caution when riding on frozen lakes.
Recent Death
The Fulton County Sheriff’s department received a call Thursday, January 26th around 8 pm reporting two snowmobiles had gone through thin ice on Peck Lake in the town of Bleecker, Fulton County. A dive team located the body of 42-year-old Todd Wheaton of Johnstown, NY about five hours after the search began.
More information about snowmobile safety is available on the New York State Parks website.
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