Local Snowmobiling Advocate Killed While Riding

Naytahwaush, MN — A local snowmobiling advocate and business owner passed away in a tragic incident this weekend doing what he loved the most.  63-year-old Thomas McArthur was killed in a snowmobile accident on Sunday night on his way home from completing another successful charity ride for the Naytahwaush Nightriders. According to the Mahnomen County Sheriff’s Office, McArthur was riding his Arctic Cat snowmobile from Pinehurst Resort to his home when he began experiencing a cardiac event. McArthur continued riding home and, in the process, missed his turn on Elk Horn Road. In his attempt to turn around, he lost control and hit a snow bank, which caused the snowmobile to flip over on top of him. McArthur eventually succumbed to the injuries from being pinned underneath the snowmobile for what authorities’ estimate was around two hours before he was located. Autopsy results confirmed that McArthur was having a cardiac event at the time, but the injuries from the accident led to his death.

McArthur was an experienced rider and neither drugs or alcohol were not factors in the incident. He was well known throughout the community as an advocate for snowmobiling and safe riding. He played a key role in organizing the annual Hospice Ride and Snodeo events in the Naytahwaush area. He also owned the Naytahwaush Village Store along with his wide Ruth.

Mass of Christian Burial for Tommy McArthur will be held at 2 :00 p.m. on Saturday, February 12, 2022, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Mahnomen.  Visitation will be at St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Naytahwaush, MN, on Friday, February 11, 2022, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., with a Prayer Service beginning at 6:30.