(SitNews) Craig, Alaska - Saturday at approximately 5:30 pm, the Klawock-based Alaska State Troopers and Alaska Wildlife Troopers responded to a single vehicle accident involving a fatality on the Coffman Cove Road.

Investigation by officials reported that a 2005 Jeep Cherokee had been traveling north on Coffman Cove Road at a high rate of speed when it drove into a ditch, over-turned several times and came to rest approximately 150 feet into the woods. During the impact, a passenger was ejected from the vehicle and found deceased on the scene. The passenger was identified as Kimberly Shurte, 28 years old of Craig. Next of kin were notified and Shurte's body is being transported to the State Medical Examiner's Office in Anchorage.

The driver and two other passengers in the vehicle, all sustained serious but non-life threatening injuries and were medically flown off Prince of Wales Island for medical treatment.

The 2005 Jeep Cherokee was a total loss and was towed from the scene.

Excessive speed and alcohol are suspected to have been contributing factors to this accident.

This investigation continues.

Source of News: 

Alaska Dept. of Public Transportation
www.dps.state.ak.us

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