A single-car accident early last Thursday killed a Seldovia man and injured his passenger when the driver lost control and hit a tree near Mile 1 Jakolof Bay Road in Seldovia. Killed was Laramie Morrison, 28, formerly of Homer and recently moved to Seldovia. Sonny Agli, 29, also of Seldovia, survived with non life-threatening injuries, an Alaska State Troopers press release said.

At about 4 a.m. April 24, Morrison drove his Chevrolet Impala south on Jakolof Bay Road when the accident happened. Neither man wore seat belts and both were thrown from the car, said Sgt. Arthur Dunn, head of the Anchor Point Post, E Detachment, Alaska State Troopers.

"Had they had them (seatbelts) on, realistically, I don't believe we would have had a fatality," Dunn said.

Seldovia Fire and Emergency Medical Services responded. Dunn said the medic response was fast and Morrison was reported dead when medics arrived.

Troopers flew to Seldovia by state plane to investigate the crash, arriving about 8 a.m. that morning. Seldovia's Chief of Police, Andy Anderson, is on paid administrative leave. Based on their investigation, Dunn said troopers believe Morrison drove the car. Toxicology tests are being done on Morrison. Troopers also are doing DNA and other forensic tests to verify that Morrison drove.

The Chevrolet was traveling at between 55 and 60 mph when it hit the tree, Dunn said. The speed limit on Jakolof Road is 35 mph and drops to 20 mph near Seldovia. Troopers believe both men had been drinking, Dunn said.

"We know alcohol was definitely involved based on statements," he said.

Morrison had recently moved to Seldovia to be with his girlfriend, Clara Moonin. Morrison and Moonin had a child last October, a girl, Nevaeh. Morrison was born July 16, 1979, in Bangor, Maine. He is survived by Moonin, his daughter, parents Debby and Perley Morrison and grandparents Wendell and Marlene Grindle and Iva Morrison. Services will be held later.