Multiple Snowmobile Crashes Reported Across New Hampshire Over Two Days

February 15, 2026 — by Scanner Alerts Media

Various Locations, New Hampshire

Multiple snowmobile crashes resulting in injuries were reported across New Hampshire on February 13 and 14, according to responding agencies and New Hampshire Fish and Game.

Key Points

• Dates: Feb. 13–14, 2026

• Locations: Washington, Gorham, Lancaster, Gilford, and Franklin

• Agencies involved: Local fire and EMS departments, NH Fish and Game Conservation Officers, DHART, and area police departments

• Injuries: Ranged from minor to potentially life-threatening

• Investigations: Ongoing in several cases

Washington – Pillsbury State Park

Incident Overview

On Friday, February 13, at approximately 12:40 p.m., Washington Fire-Rescue, New London Hospital EMS, Dartmouth Hitchcock Advanced Response Team (DHART), and a New Hampshire Fish and Game Conservation Officer responded to the Halfmoon Pond snowmobile trail in Pillsbury State Park for a crash.

Steven Valle, 66, of Washington, was located approximately three miles from the nearest road. Responders used UTVs to reach and transport him from the scene.

Injuries and Investigation

Valle sustained serious leg and arm injuries. He was transported by ambulance and later transferred to DHART for air transport to Concord Hospital.

New Hampshire Fish and Game determined Valle swerved to avoid a coyote on the trail, causing him to strike a stone wall. No further information was released.

Gorham – Corridor 19

Incident Overview

At approximately 4:00 p.m. on February 13, New Hampshire Fish and Game was notified of a snowmobile crash with injuries on Corridor 19 in Gorham.

Heather Charpentier, 50, of Wareham, Massachusetts, was operating on a steep section of trail when she lost control and veered off trail down an embankment. The snowmobile traveled approximately 50 feet before striking a tree.

Injuries and Response

Charpentier sustained multiple injuries. Her riding companion began rendering aid before emergency responders arrived.

Gorham Police, Gorham Fire & EMS, and a Conservation Officer responded. She was transported to Androscoggin Valley Hospital in Berlin.

Fish and Game said inexperience appears to be the leading factor. The crash remains under investigation.

Lancaster – Corridor 5

Incident Overview

Shortly after 1:00 p.m. on February 13, Conservation Officers were notified of a crash on Corridor 5 in Lancaster involving Kevin and Nancy Higgins, both 71, of Madison.

Investigators determined Kevin Higgins was operating across a field when he crested a hill and failed to navigate a 90-degree turn. He braked aggressively, locking the track, which ejected the passenger and caused the machine to roll off the trail.

Injuries

Both sustained severe but non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to Weeks Hospital in Lancaster.

Gilford – Corridor 15N

Incident Overview

On February 14 at about 4:40 p.m., Jeffrey Meisenburg, 54, of Candia, was injured after losing control and crashing into a tree on Corridor 15N in Gilford.

According to the responding Conservation Officer, Meisenburg inadvertently squeezed the throttle, and when the machine contacted the edge of the trail, the throttle was pushed further. The snowmobile’s skis lifted before grazing a tree, ejecting the operator.

Injuries and Response

Meisenburg sustained potentially serious life-threatening injuries and was transported to Concord Hospital in Laconia.

Gilford Fire and Rescue, Gilford Police, the Belknap County Snowmobile Club, and NH Fish and Game responded. Officials stated he was wearing a helmet and was not under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Franklin – Corridor 11

Incident Overview

At approximately 2:30 p.m. on February 14, Conservation Officers responded to a crash in the Franklin Falls Flood Control Area on Corridor 11.

Three snowmobiles were traveling north when two machines left the groomed portion of the trail. As one operator returned toward the trail, the two machines collided and rolled over.

Sean Nelson, 42, of Pembroke, and Christopher Bourque, 48, of Boscawen, were identified as the operators involved.

Injuries and Response

One operator was pinned but freed by passing snowmobilers. Both sustained minor injuries.

Franklin Fire Department responders were shuttled into the location by good Samaritan snowmobilers. The two damaged snowmobiles were later removed from the trail.

Authorities in several of the incidents reminded snowmobile operators to ride responsibly, remain on marked trails, and consider trail and weather conditions.

Credit: New Hampshire Fish and Game; Washington Fire-Rescue; Gorham Police; Lancaster Police and Fire; Gilford Fire and Rescue; Franklin Fire Department