A Dixfield man died Friday in a snowmobile crash in the Franklin County town of Carthage, marking the eighth snowmobiling death this year, according to the Maine Warden Service.
Thomas Henderson, 28, was traveling at high speed shortly before 1 p.m. when he missed a turn and crashed into several trees. His passenger, Spencer Knox, 22, jumped off the snowmobile shortly before the accident and was not injured.
A passing snowmobiler attempted to aid Henderson, who later was pronounced dead at the scene.
Speed, alcohol and driver inexperience appeared to be factors in the crash, the warden service said. Henderson was not wearing a helmet.
The warden service urged snowmobilers “to slow down and ride responsibly,” particularly on trails in western and northern portions of the state. The wardens noted that scarce snow in other parts of New England has brought high numbers of snowmobilers to Maine this year.
State data for the last six years show roughly 180 to 230 snowmobile crashes each year, depending on snowfall. In 2016, five people died in snowmobile crashes, according to the Warden Service.
Kate McCormick — 861-9218
kmccormick@centralmaine.com
Twitter: @KateRMcCormick
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