Deadly Snowmobile Crash Claims Life Of Massachusetts Woman

CONCORD, NH — New Hampshire Fish and Game responded to three incidents that left a Massachusetts woman dead from a snowmobile crash, a Connecticut man injured in a snowmobile crash, and a Rhode Island man requiring medical treatment in a different incident.

Saturday, rescue personnel from multiple agencies responded to a remote trail in Gorham near Pine Mountain to assist a snowmobiler who had suffered significant injuries after crashing into trees.

Responders from Gorham Fire and EMS, Randolph Fire Department, and New Hampshire Fish and Game Department arrived just after noon. They were dispatched to the Bear Springs snowmobile trail to assist an unresponsive female operator who had crashed. The crash location was approximately 5 miles from the Randolph Fire Department, and responders utilized snowmobiles and a tracked rescue vehicle to access the scene.

Upon arrival, responders found CPR in progress being performed on the crash victim by her riding companion. Responders joined in the CPR effort, but the victim succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead at approximately 1:00 PM. The victim was ultimately transported from the scene to the Randolph Fire Station following an on-scene investigation by conservation officers.

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The identity of the victim, a 48-year-old woman from Massachusetts, is being withheld pending notification of family.

Although the investigation into this incident is ongoing, investigators believe that operator inexperience played a significant role in the crash.

In Carroll, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department conservation officers were working to assist the aforementioned gravely injured snowmobiler, a second call came in for a hiker experiencing a medical emergency on the Cherry Mountain Trail.

Michael Staley, 57, of Coventry, Rhode Island, was experiencing significant pain that greatly alarmed him. A call for help was made on his behalf, prompting a response by local rescue personnel.

Upon receiving the call, Twin Mountain Fire and EMS personnel and a New Hampshire Fish and Game Department Conservation Officer responded to the trailhead and hiked 0.65 miles up the trail to meet the patient. Staley felt he could hike out with assistance and follow rescuers safely back to the trailhead.

Once roadside, Staley was taken by Twin Mountain Ambulance to Littleton Regional Hospital for further evaluation and treatment. At Littleton Hospital, it was quickly determined that Staley was indeed suffering from a medical emergency. He was subsequently flown to Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Hanover for emergency surgery.

In Pittsburg at about 11:20 a.m. a New Hampshire Fish and Game Conservation Officer was notified of a snowmobile crash on Back Lake in Pittsburg. An emergency response was initiated by the Pittsburg Fire and Rescue Department and 45th Parallel EMS. Luckily, both crews were staged on Back Lake as a safety measure while a sanctioned snowmobile drag race event was ongoing.

Conservation Officers say Giovanna Oliver, 20, of Waterbury, CT. Oliver was racing her sister outside of the event on Back Lake when she hit an uneven section of snow and ice, causing her to be thrown from the snowmobile. The snowmobile rolled multiple times, causing substantial damage to it. Spectators at the event waved down fire department members, informing them of the crash.

Oliver was brought to an awaiting 45th Parallel Ambulance by a Good Samaritan on a Utility Terrain Vehicle (UTV). Oliver’s injuries were evaluated, and she ultimately was transported to Upper Connecticut Valley Hospital (UCVH) in Colebrook by family members for further evaluation of her injuries.

At this time, the investigation into the cause of the crash is still ongoing. Still, scene evaluation and statements from Oliver and her sister show speed and inattention as leading factors.

Between school vacations, snow, and favorable weather conditions, Coos County has experienced a significant influx of visitors and emergency calls in recent weeks. Conservation Officers would like to remind visitors to enjoy the outdoors and be prepared with knowledge and gear should an emergency arise while in the field.