From staff reports
CHATFIELD -- A 20-year-old Zumbrota man died today when his snowmobile hit a fence and tree near Chatfield.
Benjamin Dirk Sorenson was dead at the scene, said Olmsted County Chief Deputy Sheriff Steve VonWald.
Sorenson was the first of three riders on a marked snowmobile trail between 2 and 21⁄2; miles northwest of Chatfield in Orion Township. His sled left the trail, hit a fence and slammed into a tree, according to the other two riders, VonWald said.
A joint city-county accident unit is investigating the crash today. VonWald said officers suspect both alcohol and speed were involved.
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The accident occurred about 12:30 a.m. on the trail along Spring Road, close to U.S. 52. The two other riders called for help with a cellular phone.
