A 26-year-old Somerset snowmobiler died after falling through the ice on Flambeau River in Rush County on December 26.

According to officials, Christopher Stanger attempted to drive over open water on the river about 2:15 p.m., where his snowmobile went under water, just south of Ladysmith, in the town of Thornapple. Family members pulled Stanger from the river and CPR was started, but he died at a local hospital.

His death is believed to be the first snowmobile death this season. Last winter 17 people died in snowmobiling accidents, according to the DNR. Temperatures were in the 40s December and follow an unusually warm month for Wisconsin.

If you or your loved one has been killed or seriously injured in a snowmobiling accident, we may be able to help you. Contact your Wisconsin personal injury attorneys today to discuss your options.