Yellowknife (Apr 02/03) - Friends and family of Jason Christensen, killed in a snowmobile crash last Saturday, still can't believe he's gone.

Jason William Christensen holds his one-year-old son, Jayden. Christensen died in a snowmobile crash Saturday, leaving behind his girlfriend, parents, five brothers and many friends. - photos courtesy of the Christensen family

The 21-year-old was snowmobiling with two friends on Frame Lake at about 6 p.m. Saturday when he crashed into a ridge of snow.

According to Lindsey Rocher, 16, who was travelling behind him, they were snowmobiling near the Canadian Championship dog derby track.

"We just got on to the lake and were having a good time like we always did," said Rocher.

Christensen pulled up beside them, looked at them, and then sped off. He was driving between 80 and 100 kilometres an hour, said Rocher. The speed limit is 30 kilometres an hour.

It's something they've all done dozens of times, said Rocher.

This time, Christensen crashed into a ridge of snow several feet high.

"He didn't see it at all," said Rocher.

His helmet flew off and his machine tumbled about 120 feet, said Rocher. His body was several feet from the machine.

Christensen was unconscious and not breathing, said Rocher, who used his cell phone to call for help.

While they waited, two bystanders helped out, said Rocher. Lloyd Thiessen came by in a four-wheel ATV and performed CPR and a woman kept calling for help.

Paramedics travelled to the scene on snowmobiles towing a sled carrying emergency equipment. A fire department spokesperson said they had difficulty finding the location.

Christensen was pronounced dead at Stanton Territorial Hospital at 7 p.m. He died of a broken neck.

Good father with a 'huge heart'

His friends and family are still in shock.

"You just can't believe it," said his cousin Bruce Christensen. "You think it's not happening."

"It's tragic," he said. "No one should have to go through this."

Jason Christensen was a good father with a huge heart, they said. He saw the good in everyone, took care of people and was a leader.

The young man was also a skilled mechanic who loved snowmobiling.

"He liked his machines," said his brother Steven Christensen. "Anything with speed."

Rocher wants others to realize they aren't invincible when snowmobiling.

"You don't think it will happen to you," he said. "But it does. It will. Be a cautious driver."

They also suggested the long ridges of snow along well travelled paths should be marked, something Deputy Fire Chief Clem St. Croix said is worth considering.

Christensen's snow machine will be examined, said Chief Coroner Percy Kinney, and blood tests will determine if alcohol or drugs were a factor.

His friends said they hadn't been drinking.

"He didn't care for drinking," said Steven Christensen.

Jason Christensen's funeral will be held 1:30 p.m. Friday at St. Patrick's Church.