Steven J. Fernandez, 39, of Saddlebrook, New Jersey was riding west on the Rail Trail when he lost control of his sled. The crash happened near McCauley Pond, close to the trail’s intersection with McMaster Road, according to State Police Public Information Officer Trooper Brandi Ashley.

After losing control, the 2024 Polaris 650 snowmobile exited the trail, slid down a steep embankment and struck several trees, according to State Police, who responded to the crash at 2:07 p.m. The Saranac Lake Volunteer Fire Department and Saranac Lake Volunteer Rescue Squad also responded, and rendered aid on scene.

The rider was airlifted to the University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington, where he succumbed to his injuries. Police said no other riders were injured as a result of the crash.

Fernandez was an officer with the Ridgefield Park Police Department. He was off-duty at the time of the crash.

“Steve was a great cop and an even better person,” the department posted on Facebook. “His strong ties to our small community where he grew up are unmatched. Besides being a Police Officer, he volunteered many years with the Ridgefield Park Fire Department and Ridgefield Park Ambulance Corp. He was also our current PBA President, LGBTQ plus department liaison, a Registered Nurse, Eagle Scout, and member of the Masonic Lodge.”

State Police did not provide any contributing factors for the crash as of press time Tuesday evening, stating that it remains under investigation.