Prince of Wales Island first responders and Alaska State Troopers are searching for two people who were in a car that went off a bridge near Thorne Bay yesterday.
Just after 6 p.m. Thursday, Troopers received a 911 call reporting that a vehicle had driven into the Thorne River with three people inside. One juvenile passenger escaped and self-rescued. The two others were 34-year-old Kelly Jenkins and 13-year-old Kayleigh Favor, both of Craig. Neither of them have been located.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation. State Troopers say weather is not believed to be a factor.
Troopers, Village Public Safety Officers and local residents searched overnight by air, water and ground. The U.S. Coast Guard provided a helicopter to assist with the search. Troopers say the spot where the vehicle entered the Thorne River is estimated to be at least 20 feet deep and moving quickly.
Prince of Wales Island has faced a string of tragedies in recent months, including multiple youth deaths. Craig City Schools closed today out of concern for community wellbeing, but the district kept doors open for students seeking support. The district said in a statement they hope community members take care of one another during this difficult time.
