A fatal ATV crash on a dune buggy type vehicle occurred in Lab Bay near Port Protection on Thursday.

It was reported to the Alaska State Troopers at approximately 4:47 pm yesterday afternoon that a fatal crash had occurred after the ATV rolled down a 25-foot embankment with 2 people aboard.

Killed in the accident was 17-year-old Paulette James of Port Protection. It was reported that P. James was not wearing a helmet or head protection at the time of the incident.

Alaska State Troopers, Alaska Wildlife Troopers, and EMS from Klawock responded to the scene and troopers initiated an investigation.

The second occupant of the vehicle was 58-year-old Port Protection man Kenneth Morfeld. Morfeld suffered injuries to his arms, left leg and also suffered possible internal injuries. Morfeld was transported via float plane to the Wrangell Medical Center for treatment and is expected to fully recover.

Paulette’s remains were sent to Craig and will be sent on to the State Medical Examiner’s office in Anchorage for autopsy. Next of kin were on the scene and were notified.