Snowmobiler found dead after getting separated from riding partner near Yellowstone

A snowmobiler got separated from the snowmobiler’s riding partner and was later found dead near an entrance town to Yellowstone National Park, rescuers said.

Someone needed help finding a missing snowmobiler near West Yellowstone, a popular gate town to the national park in Montana.

The snowmobiler became separated from the riding partner Wednesday, Feb. 23.

The partner wasn’t able to find the snowmobiler and returned to town. The partner then called police for help.

Rescue volunteers searched the area about 2 miles west of the town.

“We are very sorry to report that the individual was deceased at the scene,” rescuers said Feb. 24 on Facebook. “The sheriff’s office is not releasing any other information at this time, pending an investigation and notification to the family.”

Earlier this month, another snowmobiler died after getting caught in an avalanche near the same location, McClatchy News reported.

Bradie Becker, a 30-year-old from Iowa, was riding outside the national park Sunday, Feb. 6, when an avalanche carried him away. He was carried into trees and died of asphyxiation, the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office said.

A week later, a different snowmobiler crashed and broke a leg while riding near West Yellowstone, McClatchy News reported.

Before emergency crews could arrive, onlookers rushed to help the snowmobiler. They kept the rider warm and safe until responders got to the location, the search and rescue team said.

The snowmobiler was taken to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center in Idaho Falls. Rescuers did not identify the snowmobiler or disclose the snowmobiler’s condition at the time.

This story was originally published February 24, 2022 at 3:17 PM with the headline "Snowmobiler found dead after getting separated from riding partner near Yellowstone."