Snowmobile Crash Into Tree Kills Lebanon Man

The victim suffered a severe head injury. Approximately one hour later, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Photo: Linn County Sheriff's Office

(ALBANY, Or.) - A fatal crash Saturday involving a snowmobile rider from Lebanon is under investigation by Linn County deputies. Sheriff Bruce Riley says the victim in the crash, George Elmer Eichner, 67, was wearing a helmet. The crash happened at approximately 4:00 p.m. Linn County 9-1-1 dispatch received a call reporting the crash was near Hoodoo Ski Bowl on the Santiam Pass.

George Eichner was operating his snowmobile when he crashed into a tree, the Linn County Sheriff reports. Mr. Eichner was part of a snowmobile club and was riding with a friend, Alen Lee Wargnier, 44 years old, of Keizer.

Black Butte and Camp Sherman medics were called to the scene and Life Flight was activated.

Mr. Eichner, who was wearing a helmet, suffered a severe head injury. Approximately one hour later, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Linn County Sheriff's Deputies were assisted by members of the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office, Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, Hoodoo Ski Patrol, Black Butte Police Department, Black Butte Medics and Camp Sherman Medics.

Mr. Eichner's body was taken to the Sweet Home Funeral Chapel.

The cause of the crash is still under investigation.