James M. Forbes Jr 2005-01-29

WESTERN ALASKA - Togiak man is killed after his snowmachine plummets over cliff

A 32-year-old Togiak man died over the weekend after he drove his snowmachine off a 35-foot cliff, Alaska State Troopers said.

James M. Forbes Jr. drove over the cliff either late Friday or early Saturday about 40 miles southwest of Togiak, according to troopers.

Officials did not know Wednesday whether Forbes was wearing a helmet. Alcohol is not suspected to be a factor in the crash, they said.

Forbes' death is at least the sixth snowmachine-related fatality this winter, troopers said.

Anchorage Daily News