Man dead, woman with critical injuries following New Year’s Day snowmobile crash in Isanti County

A man is dead and a woman is in critical condition following a snowmobile crash just before 1 a.m. Sunday on Lake Francis in Isanti County.

The Isanti County Sheriff’s Office says deputies went to the 2500 block of Paradise Trail Northwest at the edge of Lake Francis for a report of a single-vehicle crash within the midnight hour of New Year’s Day.

At the scene, responders found a woman with life-threatening injuries and a man whom they determined was dead.

Responders made life-saving efforts before taking the woman to Mercy Hospital. The sheriff’s office tells 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS her injuries are severe as of mid-morning Sunday.

Authorities have not yet identified the two people.

Early information indicates the man and woman were riding a snowmobile on Francis Lake, and upon exiting the lake’s surface, the man crashed the vehicle into a tree.

The sheriff’s office tells 5 EYEWITESS NEWS authorities are working to determine what factors caused or contributed to the crash, whether it be alcohol, speed or other conditions.

Isanti fire and police units assisted at the scene.

Check back for updates.