Photo: Iditarod Trail Committee
“The Last Great Race,” on Earth was struck by a horrible tragedy this weekend when a drunk snowmobiler plowed into two front-running sled dog teams on their way to the Nulato checkpoint between Anchorage and Nome.
A 26-year-old man identified as Arnold Demoski was returning home from a night of binge drinking in the village of Koyukuk, situated along the Yukon River, when he intentionally went after the two teams with his sled.
Aliy Zirkle’s team was the first to be hit by the sled and she had one dog receive “non-life threatening injuries according to a press release from the race.
But Jeff King and his dog team weren’t as lucky. Twelve miles before he reached the checkpoint the snowmobile rambled out of control through his team of dogs, resulting in the death of one of his animals, a dog named Nash. Two of his other animals also were injured but were expected to survive (his two-year-old dog Banjo did require surgery). Both Zirkle’s and King’s teams continued on in the race.
“I just want to say I’m sorry,” Demoski told a local news station. “I don’t know how I can make it right. (Alcohol) is ruining my life.”
Demoski said he did not remember the incident when he woke up the next morning but new he’d done it after hearing news reports and seeing his damaged sled. He was arrested later that morning and now faces multiple charges including an assault charge. The Nulato Tribal council–of which Demoski is a member–released a statement this weekend. “We are disturbed and saddened that celebrated Iditarod veteran dog teams led by Jeff King and Aliy Zirkle were struck by a resident of our village. Nulato recognizes the complex behavioral health issues that impact our village and we ask for prayers as we seek wellness for all.”
