On Sunday at approximately 4:41 pm, a motorist at mile 1362.5 of the Alaska Highway reported to troopers that he had come upon the body of a deceased woman and a motorcycle on the side of the highway.

Fairbanks-based Alaska State Troopers as well as rural-based Troopers responded to the scene. Their investigation discovered that the deceased woman was 48-year-old Delta Junction resident Gail Ericksen.

Further investigation at the scene led troopers to determine that Ericksen was traveling on the highway and as she was negotiating a turn, struck the guardrail and was thrown from her motorcycle.

Although Ericksen was wearing appropriate safety gear while she was riding, she suffered fatal wounds from the wreck.

Next of kin have been notified.