Snowmobiler Killed in Crash with Groomer

A Wisconsin man was killed Thursday when the snowmobile he was operating crashed into an approaching trail groomer in Iron County.

42-year-old Todd Lisowe, of New Holstein, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash on Trail 113 south of Crystal Falls. He became the 15th snowmobile fatality in our state this winter.

Michigan Department of Natural Resources conservation officers said Lisowe was the lead rider traveling south with three other Wisconsin snowmobilers who were heading from Big Bay to Pembine. 

The trail groomer was operated by the Chippewa Sno-Kats Snowmobile Club of Crystal Falls. Neither the groomer operator nor a passenger in the vehicle were injured.

Conservation officers said excessive speed is believed to be the cause of the fatal crash. No alcohol or drug use is suspected. The weather was clear with no visibility concerns.