Snowmobiler killed in U.S. 2 accident

RAMSAY — A snowmobiler was killed crossing U.S. 2 Saturday afternoon, making it the county’s second snowmobile death in 26 hours.

The man — whose name is being withheld pending the Gogebic County Sheriff’s Department’s notification of the family — was identified as a 52-year-old Wisconsin resident.

The department’s initial investigation indicated he was attempting to cross U.S. 2 at the intersection with Ramsay Road shortly before 1 p.m. when he was hit by an eastbound pickup truck, according to a department press release.

While the investigation is continuing, the release said drugs and alcohol didn’t appear to be a factor in the accident. It did call the day’s bad weather and resulting visibility issues a “significant factor” in the accident.

The snowmobiler was taken to Aspirus Ironwood Hospital by ambulance, where he was pronounced dead.

The fatal accident occurred just over a day after a Hudson, Wis., woman was killed on Powderhorn Road, just north of U.S. 2. She lost control of her sled in a ditch, and was struck by another rider in her group.

—Richard Jenkins