A trial is set to start for an upstate New York man charged with causing the death of a snowmobiler last winter by cutting down a tree that fell on the rider.
Opening statements are scheduled to begin today in a Warren County court in the trial of 36-year-old Michael Vernum of Lake Luzerne.
He was charged with criminally negligent homicide in connection with the March death of 50-year-old Gary Clark of Fort Ann.
Authorities say Vernum cut down the tree that struck Clark as he rode on a designated snowmobile trail in Warrensburg, in the southern Adriondacks 60 miles north of Albany.
Representatives of a local snowmobile club had said they had previously warned Vernum of the potential danger his logging practices presented to snowmobilers using the trail.
GAZETTE COVERAGE
Ensure access to everything we do, today and every day, check out our subscribe page at DailyGazette.com/SubscribeMore from The Daily Gazette:
Veterans remembered in annual Schenectady Memorial Day ceremony at Vale Cemetery
Amsterdam honors sacrifice of fallen service members on Memorial Day
Schenectady Police ID victim in Sunday homicide, searching for person of interest
State Thruway Authority owed hundreds of millions in unpaid tolls, fees
Canajoharie high schooler to donate 18 inches of hair, over $2K to Wigs for Kids
Categories: News
