Iowa snowmobile driver killed after hitting tree
EWEN — An Iowa man is dead after his snowmobile struck a tree in Ontonagon County shortly before midnight Central Time Thursday.
Michigan State Police from the Wakefield and Calumet Posts responded. They say Brandon Laubenthal, 31, of Bancroft, Iowa, was traveling westbound on Trail #8 east of Ewen when snowmobile left the trail to the north, hitting the tree.
He was transported to Aspirus Grand View Hospital and later died from his injuries.
Police say alcohol and speed are believed to be factors in the crash, which remains under investigation.