Father dead, son injured in NH snowmobile crash

AUBURN, N.H. (MyFoxBoston.com) – A father who was driving a snowmobile with his 9-year-old son died Saturday after the snowmobile struck a rock, ejecting him from the vehicle.

Keith Ryan, 41, and his son, Aden, were wearing helmets at the time of the crash, but the impact was too great. Ryan was transported to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Aden was taken to Eliot Hospital in serious condition with a concussion, as well as a fractured hip and femur.

According New Hampshire Fish and Game officials, the crash occurred between the parking lot at Front Park and Massabesic Lake. After hitting the rock, the snowmobile became airborne for 72 feet before landing back on the ground. Both occupants were ejected from the snowmobile.

Witnesses told officers that the boy was sitting in the front of his father on the snowmobile.

It is unclear whether speed played a factor in the crash, but officials said snowmobiles can reach speeds up to 100 mph. The accident is under investigation.

The New Hampshire Fish and Game said conservation officers were called to three snowmobile accidents on Saturday; however, the crash in Auburn was the only fatal incident.

Cox Media Group