JACKSON, Wyo. — On Friday, Jan. 23, Teton County Search & Rescue (TCSAR) responded to two separately reported snowmobile accidents on Granite Creek Road, a 39-year-old man and a 32-year-old woman. Two days later, on Monday, Jan. 26, TCSAR received a call regarding a snowmobile accident involving two snowmobilers on a small group guided tour.
For the Friday incidents, the TCSAR helicopter was initially dispatched to the 39-year-old man, who suffered a severe leg injury after rolling his snowmobile. During the dispatch, a call came in for the woman, who had suffered life-threatening injuries after crashing on a guided tour. The helicopter short-hauled both the woman and the man to Jackson Hole Fire/EMS ambulances waiting at the trailhead.
Two days later, in the Togwotee Pass area, two snowmobilers, a man and a woman, collided with a tree while riding in a small guided group. According to a TCSAR Facebook post, the woman was reported to be unresponsive and was evacuated to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center in Idaho Falls. Her companion sustained severe injuries and went into cardiac arrest and subsequently died of his injuries.
“[This winter] TCSAR has responded to four fatalities, with two coming in the last three days,” TCSAR shared in a Facebook post. “We know that accidents happen and that we all make mistakes. This message is not intended to shame or judge anyone. Just please remember that when you take on a backcountry objective — no matter how big or small — the most important thing is to make sure you come home at the end of the day. Be safe out there, everyone.”
The identities of the four patients have not been disclosed. Mental health resources are available for those seeking help.
