An Iditarod dog was killed and several people were injured when a man allegedly hit two teams during the race.
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Upon arrival at the Nulato checkpoint, Zirkle reported the incident to race officials and a report was filed with the Alaska State Troopers.
Jeff King is photographed after arriving at the Unalakleet, Alaska. checkpoint in the Iditarod. “We are disturbed and saddened that celebrated Iditarod veteran dog teams lead by Jeff King and Aliy Zirkle were struck by a resident of our village”, officials wrote.
The other was four-time champion Jeff King. According to the Iditarod release the crash resulted in the death of Nash, a three-year-old male dog.
Demoski was held on suspicion of assault, reckless endangerment, reckless driving and six counts of criminal mischief. King requested and received medical attention at the checkpoint.
“I’m really bad”, Zirkle told race judge Karen Ramstead per the ADN.
“The driver of the snowmachine has been located”, she told the Iditarod website.
“Regrettably, this incident very much alters the race of the two mushers competing for a win; however, both are going to continue on their way toward Nome”, the released stated. Crosby, another 3-year-old male, and Banjo, a 2-year-old male, received injuries and are expected to survive. “The snow machine revved up and was pointed at her and then finally left the area with no further injuries to Zirkle or her team”, their statement said.
When King reached the vicinity, he was struck from behind by the snowmobile, when his dogs were hit.
One of Zirkle’s dogs was also injured.
Known as the “Last Great Race”, this year over 80 contestants are attempting to make their way through 1,000 miles of Alaskan backcountry. She was in third place.
The race leader early Saturday afternoon was Brent Sass, who left the village of Kaltag at 8:20 a.m.
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Musher Jason Campeau of Rocky Mountain House, Alberta, who was runner-up to Schroeder in this year’s Beargrease, was running in 27th place early Saturday; he reached Galena at 3:26 a.m. He was followed just a minute later by two-time Idiatrod champion Mitch Seavey of Seward, Alaska.
