Updated Wednesday, February 6, 2013 --- 10:49 a.m.

WHITEWATER, Wis. (AP) -- Walworth County sheriff's officials say a snowmobiler has died after crashing into a tree near Whitewater.

Deputies were called to Highway 59 about 11 p.m. Tuesday where they found the snowmobiler unresponsive. Authorities say 37-year-old Michael Zielinski died at the scene of the crash. Investigators say he was not wearing a helmet.

Copyright Associated Press 2013

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Posted Wednesday, February 6, 2013 --- 9:00 a.m.

From the Walworth County Sheriff's Office:

On Tuesday, February 05, 2013, approximately 11:00pm, Walworth County Deputies responded to a report of a snowmobile vs. tree crash on private property in Whitewater Township, Walworth County, WI. This crash occurred at W9215 Hwy 59.

Upon arrival, Deputies and first responders from Whitewater Fire and Rescue found an unresponsive male near a 2002 Yamaha Snowmobile which had struck a tree on the property. The driver, who was not wearing a helmet, was identified as Michael H. Zielinski, age 37, of the Town of Whitewater. He was riding this snowmobile on his property. CPR was performed on this man but these life-saving attempts were unsuccessful and the Walworth County Coroner later pronounced Zielinski dead at the scene.

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources wardens responded to the scene, which is the normal protocol for a fatality involving a snowmobile or a watercraft vessel.

This crash remains an open, ongoing investigation.