10-29-13 13 year old girl killed in snowmobile safety class accident

The DNR is working with Osceola police in investigating a tragic fatal snowmobile accident that claimed life of a 13 year old girl.  DNR warden Todd Schaller tells WFDL news Sarah Thorsland  was participating in a snowmobile safety class and was killed when her machine  accelerated and crashed in western Wisconsin.  "A very tragic event, our thoughts are certainly with the family and the people involved in this,"  Schaller said.  "We're doing a thorough investigation to understand exactly what happened."  The girl was taking a class being taught by volunteers from the local snowmobile club on Saturday when her snowmobile suddenly accelerated and hit a loading dock. She was rushed to Osceola Medical Center, then airlifted to Regions Hospital in the Twin Cities and transferred to Gillette Children's Hospital.  Thorsland died on Sunday.

Police say the young teen was wearing a helmet. The cause of the acceleration is being  investigated by police and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.