Teen dead after snowmobile collision on Perth County trail

An 18-year-old man is dead after his snowmobile crashed into a tree on a trail near Perth Road 140 on Sunday. 

Perth County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Perth County Medical Services and Perth East Fire Department were called to the crash. The man was brought to a local trauma centre where he was pronounced dead. 

Directly after the crash, the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Club trail between Perth Road 135 and Road 140 was closed for an investigation. 

While the trail is now open again, police say the investigation is ongoing. 

Perth County OPP spokesperson Evan Polini said that staying safe during snowmobile season is an ongoing concern for everybody. So far this season there have been three deaths in southwestern Ontario.

"These are tragic incidents and most of them are preventable," said Polini. 

He said some of the leading causes of these deaths are traveling on unsafe ice, speed and impaired driving. 

"Trails typically have a speed limit of about 50 kilometres per hour or less, but riders should be aware of the weather and trail conditions and adjust their speeds accordingly," he said.

The OPP also recommends the following to remain as safe as possible on the trails: 

• Wear an approved helmet and appropriate clothing, such as a suit that provides flotation when traveling across ice.
• Carry ice picks and a basic survival kit that may include a first aid kit, fire starter, snacks, a warmer, drying clothing and a charged cell phone.
• Plan a trip carefully in advance with a return or check-in time with a responsible person.
• Don't ride alone whenever possible.
• Never drink or consume drugs when operating a snowmobile.

Anyone with information about the most recent crash is asked to call Perth County OPP at 1-888-310-1122.