Rural Alaska

Teen rider dies in ATV crash on Iliamna Lake

A teenage boy died and another child was injured Thursday night near the Western Alaska village of Kokhanok when their all-terrain vehicle wrecked on a frozen lake, troopers said.

An initial investigation showed that the riders, both juveniles, were traveling about 40 mph on Iliamna Lake roughly 12 miles north of Kokhanok when they "failed to observe a snowbank on the ice," according to an online dispatch. Word of the crash reached troopers at about 10:30 p.m. Thursday.

"The ATV struck the snowbank and flipped, ejecting both riders," troopers wrote. "Neither rider was wearing a helmet. One of the juveniles, a 17-year-old male, was struck by the handlebar of the ATV as it flipped, which caused significant head injuries."

The 17-year-old was found dead at the scene by a health aide and residents of Kokhanok, on the south shore of the lake 22 miles south of Iliamna. Both riders were taken to the village clinic, where the survivor was treated for minor injuries.

Neither of the riders was immediately identified by troopers Friday, pending further investigation of the crash.

Troopers were still en route to Kokhanok Friday morning, spokeswoman Megan Peters said. She couldn't immediately answer questions about the wreck beyond the account in the initial dispatch.

The State Medical Examiner Office has been contacted regarding the crash.

Chris Klint

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

ADVERTISEMENT