KTUU has several videos and articles detailing the crash caused early Saturday when a drunk 26-year-old Nulato man drove his snowmobile into Jeff King’s team, killing 4-year old Nash and injuring at least 2 more dogs. King and Iditarod officials claim the attack was intentional and say that the man also harassed Aliy Zirkle, injuring one of her dogs. The man maintains he was blacked out and doesn’t remember a thing. He faces two counts of third degree assault, one count of reckless endangerment, one count of reckless driving and five counts of fifth degree criminal mischief.
Neither musher was hurt in the attacks, and both plan on continuing the race. In fact, Zirkle advanced from 3rd place to 2nd today.
Best wishes to both as they continue their quest, and our sympathies go out to King and his kennel family on the loss of Nash.
Until next time,
Good day, and good dog!