Forest Lake man identified as snowmobiler killed in crash

Chad Hansen, 36, was identified Tuesday as the Forest Lake man who died from injuries in a Chisago County snowmobiling accident.

Hansen was flown to Regions Hospital in St. Paul after his snowmobile collided head-on Saturday with another driven by Craig Finholdt, 56, also of Forest Lake. Hansen died early Sunday.

A fire resulted on the Wild River trail near County Road 37 and Herberg Road in Taylors Falls when the snowmobiles collided on the crest of a hill where the trail curves. Both men, who didn't know each other, were thrown and their sleds burned, said Cpl. Shane Carroll of the Chisago County Sheriff's Office.

Finholdt was snowmobiling alone. Hansen was traveling with family members but was not carrying passengers.

Finholdt remains at Regions, where he is being treated for his injuries, Carroll said.

KEVIN GILES