Boy injured in ATV crash 04/27/11

Story last updated at 8:53 PM on Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Boy injured in ATV crash

By Michael Armstrong
Staff Writer

A 16-year-old boy driving on the switchback trail to Kachemak Selo suffered injuries in an apparent all-terrain vehicle crash on Tuesday night. About 6 p.m., a person passing by found Ernie Kuzman of Voznesenka unconscious but breathing on the steep, winding trail from East End Road to the Russian Old Believer village near the head of Kachemak Bay. Kuzman was medevaced with head injuries to Providence Alaska Medical Center. He was treated and released from Providence.

No witnesses saw the wreck, but Alaska State Troopers said evidence at the scene suggests Kuzman drove too fast for conditions and hit a retaining wall with his Honda ATV. The ATV was found on its side and Kuzman nearby, said trooper spokesperson Elizabeth Ipsen. Kuzman did not wear a helmet. Troopers will ask to get a blood sample to determine if alcohol was involved.

A crowd gathered around the scene while troopers investigated the crash. Ipsen said a girl at the scene became disorderly. Troopers cited her, a 17-year-old Wasilla girl, for minor consuming alcohol. The girl was released into the custody of a sober adult.

Troopers also arrested a person for driving under the influence.

Michael Armstrong can be reached at michael.armstrong@homernews.com.

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