A Saturday afternoon snowmobile outing in Gentilly Township, Polk County, turned fatal when a 33-year-old Thief River Falls man was killed in a crash, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies and Crookston Area Ambulance crews tried life-saving measures at the scene, but the rider was pronounced dead there. Authorities said he was wearing a helmet and that alcohol is not believed to be a factor.
Crash details
Deputies were called to the scene at about 2 p.m., and emergency responders immediately began efforts to revive the rider, according to Valley News Live. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office later identified the victim as 33-year-old Cody Teie of Thief River Falls and confirmed he was pronounced dead at the scene, KVRR reported.
Investigation and assistance
The Minnesota State Patrol and the University of North Dakota Forensic Pathology unit assisted with the response and investigation, according to KNOX. Officials have not said what caused the crash, and the investigation remains active. Local reports note that alcohol is not believed to have played a role, FOX 9 reported. Authorities said they will share more specific details once they are available.
State safety reminders
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is again urging riders to “stay sober and ride smart,” and it continues to stress the basics of snowmobile safety, including wearing DOT-approved helmets, checking trail and ice conditions, and completing a safety course before heading out, according to the Minnesota DNR. The agency notes that alcohol is a factor in roughly 60% of fatal snowmobile crashes and warns riders to keep their speed appropriate for conditions.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office said it plans to release additional information as it becomes available, according to Valley News Live. The agency and its partners did not immediately provide further comment.
