Snowmobiler dies after striking tree during ride with husband, Utah officials say

A 67-year-old woman was riding snowmobiles with her husband when she struck a tree and died, Utah officials said.

Cecilia Ireland was visiting Utah from Delaware on Sunday, Jan. 23, and went on a snowmobile ride with her husband near Samak, a town about 45 miles southeast of Salt Lake City. The two were on separate snowmobiles and Ireland left the trail, Utah State Park rangers said.

“While on the ride, Ireland appears to have left the trail and traveled down a steep incline where she then struck a tree,” park rangers said in a Jan. 24 news release. “Ireland was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident, but did sustain severe head, neck, and back injuries.”

Her husband called for help, and first responders helped him find his wife, park rangers said. Ireland was pronounced dead at the scene.

The crash is under investigation, Utah State Parks said.

“The Utah Division of State Parks encourages all off-highway vehicle riders to continue wearing their helmets, taking the appropriate education courses, and riding within their ability,” rangers said.

Several snowboarders and skiers have died in the U.S. after crashing into trees this season. A 42-year-old snowboarder died Jan. 19 after slamming into a tree at a Colorado ski area.

In December, a 60-year-old skier crashed into a tree and died at a different Colorado resort.

This story was originally published January 26, 2022 at 10:54 AM with the headline "Snowmobiler dies after striking tree during ride with husband, Utah officials say."