Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating a fatal snowmobile accident which occurred early this morning.

James Downs III, 51, of Rochester, was killed when he crashed his snowmobile while operating on a frozen lake in the area of 2310 Wolf’s Point Dr. Investigating officer Jon Cook stated since there were no witnesses, the exact cause of the accident is unknown. It is believed Down’s was approaching the shoreline and turned too sharply, which threw him from the snowmobile. Downs was found pinned under his snowmobile.

Downs was operating his snowmobile alone when the accident occurred. Downs was found by friends around 6 a.m. this morning. It is believed the accident occurred several hours before Downs was found.

According to the Fulton County coroners office, Downs died of blunt force trauma to his chest and torso. An official cause of death will not be determined until the official coroners report is released at a later date. An autopsy is not scheduled due to the preliminary findings revealed at Woodlawn Hospital in Rochester where Down’s was initially taken.

Speed, alcohol and reduced visibility are possible contributing factors to the accident. Toxicology results will not be available for several weeks. Units on scene included the Rochester Police and Fire Departments and the Fulton County EMS.