Drinking suspected in death of snowmobiler who hit tree in east-central Minn.

A snowmobiler struck a tree along a trail in east-central Minnesota and was killed, authorities said Monday.

The crash occurred about 3:30 p.m. Sunday along the Willard Munger Trail just south of Rutledge, according to the Pine County Sheriff's Office.

Jordan D. Mutschler, 22, of Bricelyn, Minn., was found by emergency responders being led to the scene by other snowmobilers, the Sheriff's Office said. No one saw the crash, according to the Sheriff's Office.

"Statements indicate that alcohol may have played a role in this accident," the Sheriff's Office said in a written statement.

Paul Walsh