Daniel L. Brannon, 12-24-06

Snowmachiner dies after striking sign pole

Published: December 25, 2006

Last Modified: December 25, 2006 at 12:48 AM

An Anchorage man died early Sunday in a snowmachining accident in Willow, according to the Alaska State Troopers.

Daniel L. Brannon, 40, was driving his snowmachine east on Long Lake Road around or before 3 a.m., when he apparently lost control while crossing Emsweiler Drive and hit a sign pole, troopers said.

A person found Brannon lying face down by the pole and called 911 at 3:10 a.m. Brannon's snowmachine had come to rest about eight feet away, tipped on its side.

Medics arrived at 3:15 a.m. Troopers said Brannon was unconscious and he wasn't breathing. He was pronounced dead at Mat-Su Regional Hospital just before 4 a.m.

Tim DeSpain, a trooper spokesman, said alcohol did not appear to be a factor in Brannon's death and said Brannon had been wearing a helmet.

The investigation continues.

-- Anchorage Daily News