Anchorage man killed

A 45-year-old Anchorage man died Monday night when a speeding snowmachine collided with him alongside a road in the Houston area, according to Alaska State Troopers.

Eric M. Wilmes, 24, of Big Lake, and Robert House, 22, of Big Lake, were apparently speeding east at Mile .5 King Arthur Road sometime before 10:25 p.m. when the snowmachine on which they were riding struck Dominick G. Martin, 45, of Anchorage, as Martin walked along the edge of the road.

Martin died at the scene from extensive injuries.

Wilmes is believed to have been the operator of the snowmachine. He was transported to Alaska Native Medical Center in Anchorage in critical condition, with a broken neck. The passenger on the snowmachine, House, was treated for head injuries at Valley Hospital. He underwent several hours of surgery for facial injuries and remains there, recovering.

Alcohol is believed to have been a factor in the crash. Troopers are continuing their investigation, but no charges have been filed at this time, trooper spokesman Greg Wilkinson said.

This is the first recorded snowmachine related fatality for the 2001-2002 season. There were 30 recorded snowmachine-related fatalities (including one pedestrian killed) between Sept. 26, 2000 and April 28, 2001.

Troopers are still piecing together the details of the accident. Martin was struck about 10:20 p.m. while walking on King Arthur Road near Mile 57 of the Parks Highway. His son, Josh, later said Martin was in the area helping a friend with plumbing work.

Troopers said Martin was carried more than 80 feet before he was thrown onto the snow. The machine then continued for another 250 feet before Wilmes fell off, and finally stopped about 550 feet from the point of collision.

Wilmes has a criminal history dating back to 1996, which includes vehicle theft, burglary and assault. His driver's license was suspended until 2005 after a November reckless driving arrest.