Eric J. Zehnder 2011-03-20
Kimber L. Velasquez
Two snowmachiners killed in crash
By LISA DEMER, ldemer@adn.com, March 20th, 2011
Two snowmachiners riding in the Petersville area near Talkeenta were killed early
today after the machine went over a steep embankment and they flew off it into some
trees, Alaska State Troopers report.
Troopers identified them as Wasilla residents Eric J. Zehnder, 23, and Kimber L.
Velasquez, 22.
They were on a 2007 Ski-Doo Summit 800 riding from a cabin to the Kroto Creek parking
lot. At around mile 17 of Petersville Road, the snowmachine left the main trail
area. Zehnder and Velasquez were ejected and struck several trees, troopers said.
Troopers were notified around 1:26 a.m. that there had been a crash and CPR was
in progress. Troopers and medics from Willow and Talkeetna got to the scene on a
LifeMed helicopter and snowmobile. Zehnder and Velasquez were pronounced dead at
2:40 a.m.
Both appear to have been wearing their helmets. Alcohol appears to have been a factor,
troopers said.
Reach Lisa Demer at ldemer@adn.com or 257-4390.