Woman Dead After Snowmobile Accident in Soapstone

Jan. 24, 2021

SALT LAKE CITY — A Delaware woman is dead following a snowmobile accident Sunday in the Soapstone area near Samak, Utah. 

Utah State Park rangers and Summit County Search and Rescue responded to the area following calls to dispatch for help in the early afternoon on January 23. 

A woman, identified as 67-year-old Cecilia Ireland from Delaware, was out riding snowmobiles with her husband — both on separate snowmobiles. While on the ride, Ireland appears to have left the trail and traveled down a steep incline where she then struck a tree. 

Ireland was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident, but did sustain severe head, neck, and back injuries. Ireland’s husband then called for help and assisted first-responders in locating her. Unfortunately, she was pronounced dead at the scene. 

Our thoughts go out the Cecilia Ireland’s friends and family impacted by this tragedy. This incident remains under investigation at this time. The Utah Division of State Parks encourages all off-highway vehicle riders to continue wearing their helmets, taking the appropriate education courses, and riding within their ability. More information on Utah’s off-highway vehicle laws and rules can be found online at ohv.utah.gov.