Another Fatal Snowmobile Crash Claims The Life Of A WNY Man

Another Western New Yorker has lost their life in a snowmobile accident. The Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office reported the fatal crash on its Facebook page. The accident took place on Sunday, January 30, 2022, around 10 pm on the snowmobile trail on Bloomer Road in the Town of Chautauqua. The victim, 37-year-old Thomas C. Allen of Dunkirk lost his life. First responders tried to save him with life-saving measures on the scene but were unsuccessful. The Chautauqua County coroner pronounced him dead at the scene. The case is currently under investigation.

A West Seneca Man Died In Deadly Snowmobile Accident

Allen is the second WNY man to die in a snowmobile accident recently. According to reports, a West Seneca resident died on January 20, 2022, in Lewis County. The man, 49-year-old Derek Hortman was driving a 2022 Ski-Doo Renegade X 900R on a snowmobile trail in the Town of Osceola. He failed to negotiate a curve and hit several trees. He was pronounced dead at the scene.  The crash is under investigation.

Snowmobile.org offers some safety tips for riders:

• Know your abilities and don't go beyond them.
• Know your machine's capabilities and don't push beyond them.
• Know your riding area. Get a map. Talk to the locals.
• Learn more—reading manuals and other materials from manufacturers, administrators and snowmobile associations, or watch videos. Snowmobile clubs, state and provincial associations offer courses, information and activities. Many members are certified driving and/or safety instructors.

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