NJ trooper and woman killed in Sussex County snowmobile accident

[JetPhoto 626]

By The Associated Press

February 24, 2008

SANDYSTON TOWNSHIP, N.J. (AP) – A New Jersey state trooper and a woman were found dead on Sunday from a snowmobile accident in Stokes State Forest, state police said.

Trooper Curtis Rohel and Rebecca Skorupka were found about 8:20 a.m. at the park in Sussex County by another snowmobiler, said Sgt. Stephen Jones, a spokesman for the state police.

They were pronounced dead at the scene, about a mile off of Routes 206 and 630 in Sandyston Township, he said.

Rohel, 25, of Branchville, was off-duty when he and Skorupka, 22, of Sparta, went snowmobiling, Jones said. The time of the crash has not yet been determined.

Preliminary information indicated that Rohel and Skorupka were thrown from his Arctic Cat snowmobile when it struck a guide rail at the side of a small bridge on Sunrise Mountain Trail, state police said. Both were wearing helmets.

Rohel, a trooper for about 18 months, was stationed at the Sussex Barracks.

[Guest]

were they both on one snowmobile or each on one?

[jack10562 414]

were they both on one snowmobile or each on one?

Preliminary information indicated that Rohel and Skorupka were thrown from his Arctic Cat snowmobile when it struck a guide rail at the side of a small bridge on Sunrise Mountain Trail, state police said. Both were wearing helmets.

[20y2 43]

What a horrible accident. RIP.

[DOC22 1]

How tragic! Much too young. Thoughts, Prayers, and condolences to their families and friends also to the New Jersey State Police. May they Rest in Peace, and may God's Perpetual Light Shine upon them. And may God help those left behind to get through this difficult time.