Minnesota Man Dies in Snowmobile Crash

Crash Occurred in Washburn, WI

WASHBURN, Wis. – A man is dead following a snowmobile crash over the weekend.

The crash happened Saturday, February 17 just before 2:00 a.m.

The Bayfield County 911 Communication Center got the call regarding the crash at 1:58 a.m.

The crash happened on Pajala Road near Forest Road 690 in the Town of Washburn.

It was reported that one snowmobile in the group was stopped on Pajala road when it was rear-ended by another snowmobile operated by John Rathai of Medford, MN.

Mr. Rathai was severely injured and was wearing his helmet at the time of the accident.

Mr. Rathai was transported by Washburn Ambulance to Ashland Memorial Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.

Bayfield County Sheriff’s Office, City of Washburn Police Department, Washburn Area Ambulance & Paramedics from the City of Ashland Fire Department responded to the accident.

The Bayfield County Sheriff’s Office is still investigating this incident.