On Thursday, at approximately 9:43 pm, a report went in the the Alaska State Troopers reporting an incident involving snow machines and injuries on the west end of the Aniak State runway in the community of Aniak.

The Aniak-based troopers, the Aniak Fire Department and a Alaska Wildlife Trooper responded to the scene. Upon their arrival, they found a 15-year-old boy, Dakota Nicholi with severe injuries at the scene. Dakota was transported to the Aniak Sub-Regional Clinic for treatment of his injuries.

The medical attention could not save the young boy however, and he succumbed to his injuries a short time later. Nicholi’s next of kin was notified.

The investigation at the scene of the accident found that 26-year-old Aniak resident Philip Simeon had been driving his machine across a ditch with open water. As he crossed the ditch, his snow machine went airborne, flying over a snow machine where two boys were standing. Simeon’s machine struck the snow machine and two boys, injuring Nicholi.

As the investigation continued, troopers would find that Simeon was under the influence of alcohol, according to the trooper dispatch.

Simeon was arrested and charged with manslaughter, DUI and Assault II. Troopers are transferring Simeon to YKCC in Bethel where he will be remanded pending arraignment.

The State Medical Examiner is receiving Dakota’s remains for autopsy.