Tragic accident claims life

A tragic accident has claimed the life of a Vernon snowmobiler.

Randy Dortman, 52, was killed on Saturday while snowmobiling with friends in the vicinity of Near Mountain, northeast of Lumby.

Corporal Henry Proce, says Dortman was an avid snowmobiler with decades of experience.

“He was out with three other friends on snowmobiles for a day's ride. All were members of the Lumby Snowmobile Association and well prepared and equipped. The snow level in the area was extremely deep and it was snowing and foggy at the time. The deceased inadvertently drove his sled into a deep stream bed and was unable to exit,” says Proce.

He says the exact cause of death has yet to be determined.

“When, after much effort, his friends were unable to revive him, they drove out of the area and called 911. With his friends leading the way, the rescue/recovery team arrived on scene by snowmobile at about 10 p.m. Saturday night.”

Dortman’s family was notified of the accident by police that same evening.