Man dies in riding accident

A Ridgeville, Washington, man was killed in a snowmobile accident west of Sisters on Saturday, January 12.

According to Deschutes County Sheriff's Office reports, Robert Larry Allen, 35, died at the scene of the accident 8.7 miles from Ray Benson Sno-Park off Highway 20.

Sisters-Camp Sherman fire units and members of the Camp Sherman Hasty Team responded to the scene and confirmed the death. Deschutes County Sheriff's personnel then took over the investigation.

The death has been ruled accidental, though an investigation is continuing.

Sheriff's office reports noted that Allen was wearing a helmet, but was known to leave his helmet strap unbuckled. It is not known whether that contributed to the severity of the accident, deputies reported.