Shuswap sledding community mourns the loss of a Sicamous snowmobiler. One of the beloved members of Sicamous’ snowmobile community faced a tragic end after an accident on Queest Mountain.
According to Eagle Valley Snowmobile Club president Gord Bushell, the snowmobiling community is saddened over the loss of Rene St. Onge who was accidentally killed while riding with a group of sledders on Queest.
Dangers of snow
Based on the RCMP report, the 51-year old resident of Sicamous was guiding a group of 5 other snowmobilers when his sled rolled into a creek bed, holding him underneath. Members of the group performed CPR but were not successful.
The Sicamous RCMP received a report of a snowmobile accident on Queest. The Shuswap Search and Rescue (SSAR) were contacted by the RCMP. The SSAR team was able to locate the group and move them out of the site. Nevertheless, the removal of the deceased was not possible due to the terrain, weather conditions and darkness.
Bushell and members of the snowmobile club helped with the rescue and recovery.
According to Bushell, St., Onge was a skilled sledder. He was the club director of the Eagle Valley Snowmobile Club and president of the Shuswap Backcountry Riders.
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