A Massachusetts woman was killed in a snowmobile crash Saturday in Parlin Pond Township, according to the Maine Warden Service, marking Maine’s ninth snowmobiling death this year.
Karen L. Pillman, 45, of Wilmington, Massachusetts, was leading a group of snowmobilers shortly before 5 p.m. on the Parlin Connector Trail on Parlin Pond, Maine Warden spokesman John MacDonald said in a statement. Shortly after she left the pond, Pillman drifted off the trail and collided with several trees. She was ejected from the snowmobile.
Several people who arrived on the scene and Jackman Regional Ambulance personnel attempted lifesaving measures but were unsuccessful. Pillman was prononced dead at the scene.
Game wardens said speed was likely a factor in the crash and that Pillman was wearing a helmet. The State Medical Examiner’s Office has not yet ruled on the cause of death and the crash remains under investigation.
MacDonald said several other non-life threatening crashes occurred over the weekend due in part to deteriorating trail conditions as melting snowpack creates ice and exposes rocks and other hazards on trails.
Wardens urged snowmobilers to operate at slower speeds that allow plenty of time to avoid trail hazards.
Kate McCormick — 861-9218
kmccormick@centralmaine.com
Twitter: @KateRMcCormick
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