Missing snowmobiler found dead
By KURT HAUGLIE, DMG WriterHANCOCK - A snowmobile rider declared missing Wednesday was found dead at the mouth of the Swedetown Creek in Hancock Thursday.
Hancock Police Chief Mike Beaudoin said the body of 41-year-old Richard Scott was found at about 2 p.m. on a bank of the creek mostly buried in snow by a friend of his who was involved with the search for Scott. He was last seen on Feb. 8, and the Hancock Police Department entered him as missing into the Law Enforcement Information Network Wednesday.
Scott's machine was also covered by snow.
"It was very hard to see the snowmobile," Beaudoin said.
Beaudoin said Scott's body was frozen solid, so he was probably there for quite a while.
From the evidence at the scene, Beaudoin said it appears Scott was riding on the Portage Lake Shipping Canal then headed inland.
"He was on the canal and he must have been traveling at a high rate of speed," Beaudoin said. "There were marks 8 to 10 feet high in the trees."
After hitting the trees, Beaudoin said Scott landed on the bank near the mouth of Swedetown Creek.
"He traveled 40 or 50 yards to the creek," he said.
Scott's body was taken to Portage Health by Mercy EMS. An autopsy is being performed to determine the exact cause of death.
Beaudoin said knowing where to search for Scott was difficult because he didn't stay on trails.
"He liked to get off the trails," he said. "That leaves everywhere open. We didn't know if he was with friends in Copper Harbor."
Assisting in the search was the Houghton County Sheriff's Office snowmobile patrol.
Kurt Hauglie can be reached at khauglie@ mininggazette.com.
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BobbyH
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02-24-09 3:59 PM
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Darwinism at work.
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41Keys
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02-20-09 2:59 PM
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Rich was a great father, brother, son, friend... this guy had a heart of gold. Having known him for the past 8 years or so... I can tell you he would have given you the shirt off his back in a heart beat- had you needed it. The world, the U.P. suffered a great, great loss with Rich's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and all of his many, many friends. We will miss you Rich... R.I.P my friend!
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Madcap
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02-20-09 1:35 PM
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I just noted the words of "inmyopinion" my comment was in no way a slam on your comments and heart felt words (regarding relief). I did not read yours until after mine were posted.
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Madcap
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02-20-09 1:33 PM
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It is difficult to say there is relief in finally knowing because all hope is now gone. My heart breaks for all his friends and loved ones and family. He and all of them will be remembered in my prayers. I'm very very sorry for your loss.
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inmyopinion
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02-20-09 12:32 PM
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I am so very saddened for this mans family and friends. I am relieved that the family has found him and has closure now though instead of always wondering "what if". You are all in my heart at this very difficult time.
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