March 3, 2017

Fatal Snowmobile Crash in Carthage: Game Wardens Urge Riders to Slow Down

A Maine man is dead today in Maine?s eighth fatal snowmobile crash. At about 1:00 this afternoon, Maine game wardens and emergency medical personnel responded to a call of a serious injury snowmobile crash in the Franklin County town of Carthage.

Thomas Henderson, 28, from Dixfield died from injuries sustained in this crash and was pronounced dead at the scene by medics. Another snowmobiler who drove upon the incident attempted life-saving efforts.

Henderson was operating a 1999 Ski Doo 700 snowmobile with a passenger named Spencer Knox, 22, from Carthage. Preliminary scene evidence indicates Henderson was traveling at a high rate of speed when he approached a right hand turn in the trail. Knox, seated behind Henderson, jumped off the snowmobile prior to the turn. Henderson continued ahead missing the turn and collided with several large trees. Henderson was not wearing a helmet.

Speed, alcohol, and operator inexperience appear to be factors in this latest fatal crash. The incident occurred on a groomed club trail and was not on Maine?s ITS trail system. The body was released to Wiles Funeral Home in Wilton. Carthage Fire Department personnel assisted game wardens with this crash.

Once again, Game wardens are urging snowmobilers to slow down and ride responsibly. With snow scarce across the remainder of New England, trails in Maine remain busy, especially in western and northern portions of the state. Some of this year?s fatal and serious injury crashes have involved both excessive speed and alcohol and could have been avoided.

Game wardens continue to patrol Maine trials and stop those who are operating recklessly and endangering others. Serious penalties and jail time can result from reckless and imprudent operation on Maine trails.

Crash scene photo courtesy of the Maine Warden Service.