By Star Journal Staff

UPDATE: The Oneida County Sheriff’s Office has identified the deceased as Michael J. Green, 57, of Oak Lawn, Ill.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is investigating two snowmobile fatalities in the Northwoods that happened yesterday.

Around 5:30 p.m. Thursday the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call of a snowmobile accident near the intersection of WI-47 and Bridge Road in the town of Newbold.

According to a press release, upon arrival deputies determined a group of snowmobiles was crossing the highway from east to west. The last snowmobile in the group was struck by a southbound vehicle.

The driver of that snowmobile, a 57-year old man, was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the vehicle was treated for minor injuries on the scene. The highway was closed for about four hours as the Wisconsin Department of Natural resources reconstructed the accident.

Also responding were the Rhinelander Fire Department, Newbold Fire Department, state patrol, DNR, the Oneida County Highway Department and Oneida County Medical Examiner.

Earlier Thursday, the Vilas County 911 center received a call at 2:27 p.m. of a snowmobile striking a tree in the town of Phelps. According to Vilas County Chief Deputy Patrick Schmidt, officers at the scene determined the snowmobile left the tail and struck a tree near marker 920. The 59-year old snowmobile operator from the Phelps area was pronounced dead at the scene.

Assisting with the investigation were the Vilas County Sheriff’s Office, Phelps Fire Department and ambulance, Vilas County Medical Examiner and Department of Natural Resources.

The DNR reports that statewide there have been five snowmobile fatalities to date in January.