42-Year-Old Dies In Bayfield County Snowmobile Accident

A 42-year-old man died Saturday as a result of injuries sustained from a snowmobile accident in the Township of Hughes in Bayfield County.

Howard W. Partlow, of Rochester, Minn., drove his snowmobile into trees after failing to negotiate a corner at East Deep Lake Road, according to the Bayfield County Sheriff's Department. He drifted across the roadway and shoulder before striking the trees.

The sheriff's department received a call at about 10:15 p.m., stating the accident victim was bleeding heavily and was non-responsive, a news release states. CPR was in progress.

Partlow was traveling southbound on East Deep Lake Road with six other friends, all on separate snowmobiles, when he passed the lead snowmobile and drove out of the sight of the group leader, the release states. He crashed at the next corner.

Partlow was wearing a helmet, the release states.

Iron River Police, Iron River Fire and Ambulance, Ashland Paramedics, and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources responded to the scene, along with Bayfield County sheriff deputies.

The DNR continues to investigate the incident.