A press release from the Clark County Sheriff’s Office

NEILLSVILLE — On Feb. 12 at about 6:45 a.m., the Clark County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call of a snowmobile accident located northeast of Catlin Avenue and State Highway 98 in the township of Sherman.

Initial investigation indicated that a snowmobile being operated by Steven D. Lauenstein, 46 years old, was traveling west on a snowmobile trail. Lauenstein lost control of the snowmobile after entering a wooded area and rolled it on top of himself. The passenger, Robert N. Kurz, 34 years old, was ejected from the snowmobile and died from his injuries. Kurz lived in the city of Loyal, and Lauenstein lives just outside of Loyal.

Lauenstein and Kurz were both wearing helmets and were both transported to the Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Marshfield. Kurz was pronounced dead at the hospital by Schleifer.

The Department of Natural Resources, Spencer Area Ambulance and Fire Department, Spencer First Responders, Clark County Sheriff’s Office, Spirit Air and ground units, and the Clark County Coroner’s Office responded to the scene. The Clark County Sheriff’s Office and DNR is continuing the investigation into the crash. This is the second snowmobile fatality for Clark County in 2017.

Speed and alcohol are believed to be factors in the accident.