NORMAN TOWNSHIP, MI. (THECOUNT) — Kelton Fink, a 22-year-old man from Onekama, Michigan, was killed late Thursday night following a snowmobile crash in Manistee County, according to the Manistee County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies responded to a report of the crash at approximately 11:50 p.m. on January 1, 2026, on Huff Road between Pine Creek Road and Chicago Avenue in Norman Township. Upon arrival, law enforcement officers and emergency medical personnel found Fink unresponsive.
Despite lifesaving efforts by Manistee County deputies and EMS personnel, Fink was pronounced dead at the scene, authorities said in a news release issued January 2.
According to the sheriff’s office, a preliminary investigation determined that a group of five individuals had been operating snowmobiles along Huff Road at the time of the incident. Investigators said the snowmobile operated by Fink was traveling at the rear of the group.
Witnesses reported that the group was navigating a curve in the roadway when they later noticed the headlight of the trailing snowmobile was no longer visible. Members of the group then realized that one of the snowmobiles had not successfully made it through the curve, deputies said.
Initial findings indicate that Fink failed to negotiate the curve in the roadway, causing his snowmobile to leave the road and enter a wooded area. Authorities said the snowmobile came to rest among trees off the roadway.
Members of the snowmobiling group reportedly initiated lifesaving measures immediately after discovering Fink and contacted emergency services. Emergency medical personnel and law enforcement officers arrived shortly afterward and continued rescue efforts.
The Manistee County Sheriff’s Office said it was assisted at the scene by Norman Township Fire and EMS, MMR EMS, and Manistee County Central Dispatch.
No other injuries were reported in connection with the crash. Authorities have not released information regarding weather conditions, speed, or whether protective equipment was being worn at the time of the incident.
The crash remains under investigation, and deputies said additional information will be released if it becomes available. No citations or criminal charges have been announced.
The Manistee County Sheriff’s Office reminded snowmobile operators to exercise caution when traveling on roadways, especially at night and when navigating curves or unfamiliar terrain.
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