Canaan man injured in snowmobile accident on private land

The operator of the snowmobile was thrown from the vehicle when he unknowingly drove into a cable across a road on private property in Canaan, according to the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. (New Hampshire Fish and Game Department photograph)

The operator of the snowmobile was thrown from the vehicle when he unknowingly drove into a cable across a road on private property in Canaan, according to the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. (New Hampshire Fish and Game Department photograph) —

Published: 01-22-2024 5:58 PM

CANAAN — A snowmobile accident on Saturday night led to serious injuries and pending charges against two riders.

The operator of the snowmobile was thrown from the vehicle when he unknowingly drove into a cable across a road on private property in Canaan, according to a Monday news release from the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department.

Operator Michael Merrihew, 22, of Canaan, was then transferred from Gore Road to Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center by Canaan Ambulance. He has since been discharged, according to a hospital spokeswoman.

As there was no written consent granted the riders by the owner of the property where the accident occurred — a stipulation of New Hampshire land access — the riders face pending legal charges.

Sgt. Heidi Murphy, an official with the department, declined to comment on the details of the charges, which she hasn’t filed yet. 

“Riders are reminded to stay on the trails and to use caution, especially while riding at night as you can override your headlights, making it harder to react to what is in front of you,” the  department wrote in the release.