Retired SLTFD captain dies snowmobiling

Retired South Lake Tahoe fire Capt. Steve Taylor died in a snowmobiling accident Feb. 8.

He was 58.

Taylor was riding with two friends on personal sleds in the Blue Lakes Road area off Highway 88 when the accident occurred.

The California Highway Patrol report says Taylor was riding at a high rate of speed on Blue Lakes Road when he was unable to negotiate a left curve. The snowmobile he was driving struck a tree.

CalStar responded, but was unable to revive Taylor.

The CHP and Alpine County sheriff’s deputies are conducting the investigation. Sheriff’s Lt. Ron Michitarian said in a press release, “Preliminary investigation indicates the accident may have been a result of an unknown medical episode and an autopsy and toxicological examination are pending.”

Flags are flying at half-staff in South Lake Tahoe in Taylor’s honor.

— Lake Tahoe News staff report