With the coming of winter months, events and recreational activities such as skiing, snowmobiling become insanely popular again. Additionally, this time of year is a wonderful season to spend time with family and friends. However, the winter months do have some downsides like being stranded in the roads due to snow storm, being caught in an avalanche, or other Winter accidents.
It seems this was the tragic story this weekend, as a snowmobiling accident claimed the life of a young man.
Christopher Martinez, 22 was an Airman 1st Class stationed at Hill Air Force Base who was killed in a snowmobiling accident in the Monte Cristo Range. He was in the range with two other airmen and a civilians last Sunday when the accident occured. Weber County Sheriff’s Office Deputies said that Martinez was heading down a steep embankment about 100 yards off the road when the snowmobile crashed. When others in the party reached the road and Martinez did not appear, they climbed the embankment to find him pinned and unresponsive. His friends were unable to find vital signs.
According to the report, Martinez was serving as a Ground Radar Journeyman in the 729th Air Control Squadron. He had been in the Air Force since March 1, 2011 and spent most of that time at Hill Air Force Base. He was deployed earlier this year for a six-month tour to Southwest Asia.
Lt. Col. Darin Humiston, Martinez’s squadron commander, stated that it was a tragic loss to the Air Force family. He considers Martinez as a valuable member of Team Hill who will be missed by all.
The report added that base officials are investigating the cause of the accident.
Christensen & Hymas offers its condolence to the bereaved family, friends and relatives of this young man. We hope that his family find the strength through the prayers and support of friends, relatives and co-workers.
Original article and image courtesy of Celeste Tholen Rosenlof of ksl.com