Watch CBS News

Man, 22, Dies In Pine Co. Snowmobile Accident

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- A 22-year-old man is dead after hitting a tree with his snowmobile south of Rutledge Sunday afternoon, according to the Pine County Sheriff's Office.

At 3:32 p.m., the Sheriff's Dispatch received a 911 call reporting a snowmobiler who was lying in a ditch and unresponsive. Emergency responders soon arrived on scene with help of other snowmobilers.

There, along the Willard Munger Trail, authorities found the victim near the wrecked snowmobile. He had no signs of life and was pronounced dead at the scene. He has been identified as Jordan Daniel Mutschler.

Sheriff Robin Cole said the snowmobilers had stopped for lunch, and were just heading out when the man hit a tree.

"This particular individual was 22 years old, out just having a good time, riding the trail and unfortunately made some apparent bad decisions that cost him his life," Cole said.

Pine Co. Snowmobile Crash

According to a preliminary investigation, Mutschler was traveling southbound on the trail when the snowmobile left the trail and hit a tree. There were no witnesses.

The Sheriff's Office says speed and alcohol may have played a role in the accident.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.