Fatal snowmobile crash under investigation on Manitoulin Island

A M'Chigeeng man died in a snowmobile crash on Trail C-107-D near Greenbush Road on Saturday.

A 36-year-old man from M’Chigeeng First Nation is dead following a single snowmobile crash early Saturday morning on Manitoulin Island.

Emergency crews were dispatched to Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs Trail C107D near Greenbush Road in the Township of Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands (NEMI) at about 1:30 a.m.

Ontario Provincial Police, United Chiefs and Councils of Manitoulin Police Service Commission (UCCM Police), Manitoulin-Sudbury District Paramedic Services and the NEMI Fire Department all responded to the scene.

Victim pronounced dead

The driver of the motorized snow vehicle was pronounced deceased at the scene.

“The driver of the MSV, a 36-year-old of M’Chigeeng First Nation, was pronounced deceased at the scene,” the OPP said in a news release.

This marks the tenth snowmobile death in northeastern Ontario this season.

Investigation underway

The investigation into the collision is continuing under the direction of the Office of the Chief Coroner and the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service.

The OPP’s traffic incident management enforcement team and a technical collision investigator are assisting with the investigation.

Trail reopened

OFSC Trail C107D reopened between the trailhead at Greenbush Road and Burnetts Side Road near Little Current at about 1:20 p.m., according OPP social media posts.

“We appreciated your patience and understanding during the investigation and clean-up efforts,” wrote police.

Snowmobilers were initially advised to avoid the area and seek alternative routes while the investigation proceeded and authorities completed their work at the scene.

Riders can check OFSC trail statuses here.