A snowmobile accident that occurred southeast of Star Valley on New Year’s day has claimed the life of an Afton resident.

Lincoln County Sheriff Shane Johnson stated that at 5:03 p.m. on January 1, the Lincoln County Dispatch Center received an emergency request from the Apple Satellite Service for an injured snowmobiler near the La Barge Guard Station in the Smith’s Fork area. The message was asking for a medical helicopter, however life flight was unable to respond due to weather, according to Sheriff Johnson.

“A Sheriff’s deputy and Search and Rescue members responded to the area where they made contact with family members of Jaram Arnold, a 46-year-old male from Afton, Wyoming,” stated Sheriff Johnson. “The family members stated Arnold had been involved in an accident on his snowmobile. Life-saving measures were taken by the family members, but were unsuccessful.”

“Arnold was returned to the parking area, where he was released to the Lincoln County Coroner. The coroner will do further investigation to determine the cause of death.”

Sheriff Johnson clarified that the accident was not the result of an avalanche.

“The Sheriff’s Office expresses our deepest sympathy to the Arnold family in this difficult time,” concluded Sheriff Johnson.