Alaska News

2 women ejected, 1 dead in SUV crash near Slana

One of two Slana women thrown from a sport utility vehicle died Tuesday after a rollover on the Nabesna Road, Alaska State Troopers said.

The crash at Mile 5 of Nabesna Road involving 29-year-old driver Vanessa Murphy and 55-year-old passenger Helen West was reported to troopers shortly after 7 p.m. Tuesday, according to a dispatch.

"Investigation revealed a white Ford Explorer was traveling east on Nabesna when it lost control and rolled into the eastbound ditch," troopers wrote. "Both occupants were ejected from the vehicle."

Glennallen-based troopers and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park rangers responded to the wreck. Slana medics took Murphy and West from the scene, but West died as she was being taken to the Gulkana Airport for transfer to a LifeMed air ambulance.

Troopers spokesman Tim Despain said in an email Thursday afternoon that Murphy was still being treated at an Anchorage-area hospital. He didn't have word on the extent of her injuries but noted that neither Murphy nor West appeared to have been using seat belts.

West's next of kin have been notified, troopers said, as an investigation of the crash continues.

Chris Klint

Chris Klint is a former ADN reporter who covered breaking news.

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