Sheriff’s Office investigates fatal snowmobile accident in Oneida County

ONEIDA COUNTY- Local authorities investigated a fatal snowmobile accident over the weekend near Rome, NY.

It happened sometime after 8:30 p.m. Saturday night in Stanwix, NY, according to emergency responders. Sheriff’s Office investigators determined this after receiving a tip from a homeowner early Sunday, who lives in the area of State Route 69 and John Street.

At around 7:00 a.m. Sunday, the homeowner in question claims he spotted a snowmobile sled that was stuck in the ditch.

While investigating, the homeowner witnessed an unresponsive male lying next to the sled. Authorities have identified the victim as Christian Kukowski, 55, of Rome, NY.

He was officially pronounced deceased. Police have determined that Kukowski was out riding alone the night before.

While heading west along a trail that borders Route 69, Kukowski crossed John Street and went down into a ditch and struck a concrete marker. Impact spun the sled with enough force to throw Kukowski off and into a utility pole.

Although the investigation is continuing, authorities mentioned that snow squalls were prevalent in the area Saturday night, thus making speed and limited visibility potential factors in the case.

Stanwix Heights Fire Department and AmCare Ambulance assisted.

Anyone who may have information on the accident is asked to call Sheriff’s Investigators: 315-765-2737.

OCSO image.