Arrests, avalanches shake up annual Arctic Man event

SUMMIT LAKE -- Skiers, snowmachiners and winter sports enthusiasts from around the world flocked to the 19th Annual Arctic Man race at Summit Lake near Paxson, which involves piloting a snowmachine down a 1,700-foot slope before meeting with a skiing partner who is towed 2 1/4 miles uphill at speeds approaching 86 mph. The event commonly draws more than 12,000 spectators and participants, according to the Arctic Man Web site.

With these crowds comes the possibility for increased recklessness. The Alaska State Troopers recognize this, and put in a strong appearance at the yearly event. Eighteen troopers were on duty during the recent Arctic Man, supported by Helo-1, their helicopter. Troopers also moved their Mobile Incident Command Center to the event.

The first night of the event was the busiest, with seven arrests for driving under the influence, one arrest for assaulting a police officer, two warrant arrests, and multiple requests for medical assistance and complaints from the public.

A total of 18 individuals were arrested for DUI at the event, a charge that also covers operating snowmachines while under the influence. Four individuals were arrested on outstanding warrants, five for assault, and troopers responded to 36 requests for assistance and wrote five citations to minors for consuming alcohol.

At about 3:30 on Saturday the 10th, however, the situation changed. Alaska State Troopers on snowmachine and in Helo 1 were patrolling the area when they were waved down by some individuals. Helo 1 landed nearby, and troopers learned that there had been an avalanche and that one victim was still buried.

Richard A. Staley, 24, of North Pole, had been snowmachining with 22-year-old Jake Wegner and his father, 55-year-old Ray Wegner, both of Fairbanks. Jake Wegner was reportedly high-marking on nearby slopes and triggered an avalanche.

Both Wegners and all three snowmachines were buried. Ray was able to stay above the surface, and Jake was able to dig himself out, but Staley was buried beneath approximately 7 feet of snow. He was recovered after about 30 minutes by rescue workers on scene.

Staley was flown by Helo 1 back to Arctic Man, according to trooper reports, and treated by Guardian Flight Medical, but was declared deceased a short time later.

While troopers were working to recover Staley, several additional avalanches occurred nearby, according to trooper reports.

Contact Daniel Spoth at daniel.spoth@frontiersman.com.