Snowmobiler dies in weekend accident

A Sault Ste. Marie man is dead after being involved in a snowmobile accident this past weekend.

Troopers from the Sault Ste. Marie Post of the Michigan State Police say it happened around 6:30 Saturday night on East 8 Mile Road in Bruce Township. Police say four snowmobilers were heading eastbound on East 8 Mile Road when they came into contact with an unplowed portion of the path. The last snowmobiler to arrive was ejected from his machine into a nearby tree after running into a snowbank. He was then taken via ambulance to War Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The driver killed in the accident has since been identified as 61-year-old Ronald Kelly of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.

The accident remains under investigation. Speed and alcohol are believed to have been factors.

Troopers were assisted at the scene by the Sault Ste. Marie Fire Department.