Cambridge Bay (May 26/03) - Cambridge Bay's spring festival, Omingmak Frolics, came to a tragic end when a snowmobile pile-up at the start of a race claimed the life of a 19-year-old man.

Brian Angohiatok was killed when he lost control of his snowmobile during the cross country race on the sea ice in Cambridge Bay.

The accident happened at about 2:30 p.m. on May 19. Angohiatok was wearing a helmet.

"A number of snowmobiles came into part of the course and bunched up. At that point the deceased was ejected from his snowmobile and received some injuries that ended his life," said Cpl. Chris Boardman.

The hamlet has cancelled the remaining snowmobile races and postponed frolic events indefinitely because of the accident.

"Everyone is grieving, that's for sure. I think this might be the first time something like this has happened during a snowmobile race in the community.

"He was a good fellow and everybody knew him well," said Boardman.

A funeral service was held May 22 for Angohiatok.