On January 13 at approximately 9:30 a.m., a 911 call was received at the Alger County Sheriff’s Office reporting a snowmobile accident on Trail #8 near Shingleton.

The investigation concluded that Wendy Batterbee, a 44-year-old female from downstate Birch Run, was traveling east on Trail #8 and failed to negotiate a curve in the trail. The victim struck several trees and was ejected from the snowmobile causing extensive injury. Alger County Rescue 21 and Alger County EMS extricated the victim from the scene and she was ultimately transported to U.P. Health systems in Marquette. The investigation was conducted by the Alger County Sheriff’s Office. The Alger County Sheriff’s Deputies, Alger County EMS and Alger County Rescue 21 responded to the scene.

It was determined that excessive speed was the cause of the accident.