November 23, 2024
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Fort Fairfield man killed in snowmobile accident

WOODLAND – Investigators continued to probe a fatal snowmobile accident that killed a 32-year-old Fort Fairfield man late Thursday evening or early Friday morning.

Sgt. Brian Gray of the Maine Warden Service said Friday that Mark McKenney was operating a 2003 Skidoo MXZ 800 snowsled northbound on Club Trail 88 in Woodland when he failed to negotiate a right-hand turn.

The sled then left the trail and struck a tree, according to Gray.

McKenney was wearing a helmet.

At this point, investigators are not sure when the crash occurred. The accident was reported to the Warden Service about 7 a.m. Friday after it was discovered by a sledder who was operating on the trail.

Gray said the investigation is ongoing, and he could not release any additional information at this time.

The sergeant said that the accident was the third snowmobile fatality in the state this winter and the first one in Aroostook County.

Gray noted that trail conditions are “less than ideal,” and urged sledders to use prudent speed and become familiar with the trails that they plan to use.

Warden Ed Christie was the primary investigator, and was assisted by Wardens Alan Dudley and Jim Fahey, in concert with Gray and Sgt. Tom Ward.


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