Cantwell, AK – On Monday evening, a devastating accident claimed the lives of multiple sled dogs who were hit by a snowmachine outside of Cantwell. Mike Parker, a musher, released details of the tragedy on the Denali Highway in a public Facebook post, writing:

I was driving the main race team from Jim’s Northern Whites Sled Dog Kennel. A few miles from the truck we were involved in a head-on collision with a snowmachine. This snowmachine was in a group of riders that had passed us going both ways many, many times over the weekend prior to the incident.

Parker said that one dog died on impact and another shortly thereafter. Another musher arrived to the scene of the accident and assisted in loading the dead and dying dogs into a sled for transport to a truck.

Another dog died in the truck and one dog made it to Tier 1 Vet Clinic in Wasilla; she suffered a fractured femur and other injuries but is stable and awaiting surgery.

Parker writes:

This was an unspeakable tragedy. Myself, Jim, our families and the mushing community are mourning the loss of these wonderful animals.

Adding:

Words cannot describe how important and meaningful these animals are to me and the Laniers. As companions they were sweet gentle and full of personality. They truly embodied the Alaskan spirit and will live on through their teammates and in my heart.

Rest in peace.

(Feature image via Pixabay – stock image, not the dogs involved in this tragedy)

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