Massachusetts man dies in snowmobile crash near Abol Bridge

T2 R9 WELS –- A man from Massachusetts died in a snowmobile crash south of Baxter State Park on Friday, Feb. 21. Alan Paquette, 55 from Ashburnham, Massachusetts, was killed shortly before noon when the snowmobile he was operating crashed on Interconnecting Trail System (ITS) 86, about 3.5 miles East of Abol Bridge. Paquette was riding last in a group of three snowmobiles in his party when he failed to negotiate a turn in the trail and collided with several trees.

Game wardens say unfamiliarity with the trail and speed likely contributed to this deadly crash. Baxter State Park rangers and Millinocket Ambulance members provided significant assistance. Paquette was operating a 2019 Ski-Doo Renegade 850 and was wearing a helmet. Paquette’s body was taken to Lampson Funeral Home in Millinocket.

Earlier in the day a Pennsylvania woman died in a snowmobile crash near Rangeley. She failed to negotiate a turn in the trail. As a result, the snowmobile rolled to its side and struck trees along the trail. The female operator died at the scene as a result of her injuries.

The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife said the pair of incidents brings Maine’s fatal snowmobile crash total to six for this riding season. Game wardens urge snowmobilers to slow down and ask that riders always provide plenty of time to safely stop, negotiate changing terrain and other riders. Fines are imposed on riders found operating recklessly or endangering others on Maine’s trails. Failing to operate safely and prudently can also result in serious personal injury or even death as seen in the  crashes. Please ride responsibly.