CONTACT:
C.O. Christopher J. Egan
(603) 788-3164
January 27, 2020
PITTSBURG, NH – At approximately 1:45 p.m. on Saturday, January 25, Conservation Officers received a call to investigate a single-vehicle snowmobile crash that had occurred on the trail system in northern Pittsburg. The injured rider, later identified as Terri Chase, 39, of Kingston, NH, was transported to the warming hut at Deer Mountain Campground by members of her riding party, and from there transport began via private vehicle toward Upper Connecticut Valley Hospital (UCVH) in Colebrook. Chase’s condition began deteriorating during the ride, so the trip was ultimately intercepted at the Pittsburg Fire Station by Pittsburg Fire-Rescue first responders and 45th Parallel EMS personnel. Chase was transferred to the 45th Parallel Ambulance and transported to UCVH for evaluation and treatment of serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
Authorities were told that a mechanical failure of a front shock absorber or suspension component led to the machine going off the trail and striking a rock or stump under the snow causing moderate damage. An investigation that continued into the following day revealed that Chase had been the operator of the snowmobile and that her privilege to drive had been previously revoked. Operator impairment did not appear to have been a factor in the incident. Chase was charged with operating a snowmobile with a suspended/revoked license.