Crash claims life of Port Protection teen

A seventeen year-old girl was fatally injured when an ATV crashed on Thursday afternoon at Lab Bay, near Port Protection just before 5 p.m.

An Alaska State Trooper dispatch released on Friday states that Paulette James of Port Protection was the victim in the incident and “had sustained fatal injuries while operating a 'dune buggy' style ATV.”

Alaska State Troopers, Alaska Wildlife Troopers and Emergency Medical Services from Klawock responded to the scene and began an investigation.

The initial investigation of the craft revealed the ATV had rolled over into a 25-foot embankment with two people on board.

The second occupant was identified as 58 year-old Kenneth Morfeld of Port Protection.

It was reported that James was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. James’ body was transported to Craig and will be sent to the State Medical Examiner's Office for autopsy.

Wrangell Search and Rescue transported Morfeld in a floatplane to Wrangell Medical Center for treatment of injuries sustained to his arms, left leg, and possible internal injuries. He is expected to recover.

 

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