Mackeys Team hit by Snowmachine into Nome
Some of the information for this report came from an interview that Lance did today with local radio station KNOM (from whom I’m trying to get permission to post audio online) and from Donna Quante:
Last night on his way into the finish line, just minutes after leaving Safety.. 2008 Iditarod & Yukon Quest Champion, Lance Mackey was hit by a snow machine. The machine was traveling at a high rate of speed behind Lance. He flashed his lights and yelled at the driver, but says it didn’t seem to matter. Mackey jumped off the sled just before the snowmachine hit the sled from the rear and ran it over. The machine was lodged into the sled and in his sled bag was his dog Zorro who was sleeping. The first four dogs in his team were sucked under the sled as it flew forward 30 feet and they were scurring and trying to get out, the dog in his bag was trying to figure out what was going on. The snowmachine driver appeared to have been drinking, and was with another driver who assisted Lance in getting the machine off his sled and to get to the dog out. Lance said that Zorro, who was in the bag appeared at the time to ok, and the other four were “scared to death”.
After spending the night in Mackey’s bedroom, vets were called in to check Zorro again. They found broken ribs and are unsure about other injuries. Zorro has been flown to Anchorage for medical attention, and should be there now. His vet bills are already over $1000 just for the medivac to Anchorage. Zorro has also been on IVs, along with some pretty heavy medication since this morning. At this time Mackey says it does not look good. Other dogs may also have some injuries, but none appear life threatening. Lance does not hold the race responsible and has not filed any complaints, nor does he have hard feelings toward the snowmachine driver. Mackey has however, asked for the driver to step forward and publicly apologize. Lance also wants the public to know about this new issue in dog mushing. He isn’t anti-snowmachine (he admits to having a few of his own), but thinks that something has to be done, and it needs to be known that this is happening more and more. In this year’s mushing season alone atleast 3 incidents have been reported, and assuming that Zorro makes it, 2 of those have been deadly.
Zorro was one of Lance’s most famous dogs, and wanted to bring him on the All Alaska Sweepstakes as one final hurah, a historic dog participating in an historic race.
We’ll keep following this story as it develops..
Posted in All Alaska Sweepstakes, On Location
March 29th, 2008 at 6:25 pm
here’s a prayer for”Zorro”I pray that I may live my inner life with God.I pray that nothing shall invade or destroy that secret place of peace.AMEN,hope he gets well,and PLEASE be strong for the others,God bless you all.
March 29th, 2008 at 6:31 pm
From the article above it shows what a great man Lance is, apart from being a top musher. Something needs to be done to avoid such accidents as they are unnecessary. Maybe a law suit with high prominence will resolve the matter, if nothing else is done in a different way,
March 29th, 2008 at 6:46 pm
I wholeheartedly agree. Both Lance and Jennifer Freking need to do something to show things need to be changed in regard to the presence of snowmobiles alongthe race trails. Those dogs are certainly not cheap and their owners should be well compensated for their hospital bills when the dogs survive and be paid the price another dog of the same quality will cost when they lose a dog.
March 29th, 2008 at 6:48 pm
I am stunned…3 such accidents are 3 too many…thoughts and prayers go out to Lance and his family (that includes his dogs, whom he considers “his kids”) at this time…I agree 100% with Lance…something MUST be done before we are all reading about a human loss. It’s my opinion that if NO consequences are placed on the responsible party, we will continue to see such accidents. Monetary reimbursement should take place, for vet bills, dog/dogs lost(killed, gulp!), sleds and gear ruined, etc… your story Josh, does convey the type of man/musher Lance is…once again, I am in awe…
March 29th, 2008 at 6:50 pm
The driver of the snow machine should be in deep, deep trouble. He didn’t just hit and injure a dog, he injured an athlete. The backbone of Mackeys kennel. Not only is Zoro his valued lead dog, but a valued stud for his kennel. He can’t be replaced.
Macky is being way too nice about all this. This is his lively-hood. This is how he supports his family.
A drunk driver in a car causing the same accident would be punished and I see no reason law enforcement should not step in. Mackey get a good attorney.!!!
I hope he sues, if for no other reason than to make some one else THINK before jumping on a snowmachine, under the influence, and causing harm and financial loss.
This is like hitting a horse that has run in the derby.
No only the pain and suffering, but financial loss. He also had a lease dog from Zack Steer. I know a good lawyer that could put a price tag on all of that. i hope Mackey does ,too.
March 29th, 2008 at 6:55 pm
I guess it is time for racers to carry shotguns; and, upon hearing an approaching snowmachine, fire a shot across the bow. Or maybe a flamethrower. These peole who cause great harm should have to pay all vet bills, damages, and emotional pain and suffering. They should pay for the rest of their lives; maybe that will keep them off the snowmachines.
March 29th, 2008 at 7:05 pm
Wow, I’m all choked up and suddenly my heart beats unevenly. Zorro’s doc says breathing is good so just the cracked ribs without lung puncture. At 6:30 he is getting MRIs to check the spine. Holding breath. Zorro’s always been a hero so he’ll probably heal up just fine. Hope those wheel dogs don’t lose their faith in Lance’s ability to keep them safe. I’m sure Lance and Tonya had other things to spend their previous winnings on — $3,000 already for vet work. Come on Zorro you can be more than a stud.
Law suits won’t cure the problem. Lights and police would be too difficult. Lights all over the sled would ruin night runs. Drunks are everywhere — do you think the guy was aware of the race? I assumed publicity would have gotten to everyone near the course. Will the Iditarod Trail Committee take up the cause for a solutiion?
March 29th, 2008 at 7:07 pm
Hey lower 48, I saw you during the Iditarod…your right….drinking and driving don’t mix…we see problems every summer in the Sawtooths, but with 4- wheelers.
Lance should get MAD…Mushers Against Drinking and Driving!!! Once again its a solid reminder for All…”what we do effects those around us, whether good, or bad”…it makes me sick to think of the loss Lance/team/family has suffered…if Zorro survives, the Mackey Kennel has suffered a tremendous blow!
March 29th, 2008 at 7:25 pm
Wah! Poor doggies.
Lance, I’m lighting a candle for you; Zorro; the rest of your team; and even the sorry slob that was so lost he drove into you all. In fact. I think I’ll light one especially for sorry alcoholics everywhere, that seem to think it is OK to drink and drive.
When will people learn?
March 29th, 2008 at 8:16 pm
For Ed Sundeen. Where can we find more information about Zorro and the other dogs’ conditions. Can you keep us posted? Jan
March 29th, 2008 at 8:16 pm
This is a VERY SERIOUS problem that needs to be addressed. Forgiveness is a good thing for Lance; forgiveness heals the wounds we carry in our hearts from those who have wronged us. And I’m glad for his sake that Lance seems to be forgiving the driver. But it’s also important to act in accordance with holding people responsible and actively work to affect change in a situation that is becoming way to common. Careless MUST bear consequences to those responsible and not just to the innocent they plow into like Lance and the Frekkings and the dogs.
Sending my sympathies to Lance…
March 29th, 2008 at 8:19 pm
Uh…that’s “CarelessNESS” in my second to last line.
March 29th, 2008 at 8:52 pm
For me, this is much worst than a car accident. The biggest problem is that Zorro and the other dogs are innocent in every respect. They pull sleds and love their owners. They do the best they can do.
This is what many people never do. Was the snowmachine driver behaving as a noble being and doing the best he can do? It is a no-brainer to see that these dogs are superior to most people.
Zorro, All the best. We love you buddy!
March 29th, 2008 at 10:18 pm
[...] Mackey’s Team hit by Snowmachine into Nome [...]
March 29th, 2008 at 10:21 pm
I do hope the Iditarod, Yukon Quest, and the AAS will work together and take up this issue…I think Lance will PUSH the issue now that it has happened to him…the Frekings should also…who was the other musher, and what race??? Thanks for the up date on Zorro… and I agree, the other dogs (Mackeys & Frekings) will take some time to heal…trust is something you must have with your team…and they with you (musher)…
March 29th, 2008 at 11:53 pm
Josh,
Please find a way to let Lance know that there are people everywhere who are devastated by the news of Zorro being hurt by an idiot snowmachiner. Fans of dog sled racing are collectively grieving over this senseless tragedy. Whether or not we were pulling for Lance to win this race, this is the worst news possible.
If you know of any petitions to sign or letters to write or people to call to prevent reckless snowmachiners from interfering with dog sled races, then please let us know.
March 30th, 2008 at 5:51 am
Hi, julil
Yeah its me again and i am so angry over all of this
.
I really hope Mackey persues this with a law suit. I am not one to file a law suit just to be filing a law suit, but Mackey needs to hold this idiot responsible. A public apology will do nothing to prevent this from happining again.
March 30th, 2008 at 5:58 am
Lance, my heart goes out to you and your family, which I know includes all of your dogs. I could never be as gracious you are being about this tragedy. I’ve admired you, but now I am in awe. Although a lawsuit would give the matter of snowmachines on trails needed attention and compensate for monetary loss, no amount of money could ever make this right for you and Zorro and the other dogs that were in this team. I wonder if the dogs will ever enjoy racing again, or will they always be looking around for danger? I’ve always had a hard time hearing about senseless, careless people interfering with others’ lives, and this is just another pathetic example. You and your dogs are in my thoughts and prayers, and I’m praying for a complete recovery for one of your best friends, Zorro.
March 30th, 2008 at 11:05 am
I felt ill when I first heard the news about Lance and a snow machine encounter….then angry, then sick, then angry, etc… I felt he really had a chance at pulling this race off…maybe I’m wrong, but I thought he was within 20 minutes or so of Seavey and King…like I said in earlier blogs, I was up in the middle of the night, watching the leaderboard, and realized something was a miss…Mackey wasn’t checking in like he should have been…at that time I just felt “dread”. Seavey and King were racing toward Nome, and Mackey was at a stand still…now, of course it is clear what was happening on the trail…it must have been a surreal, horrific experience/scene…as was the Freking incident during the Iditarod…The news about Zorro seems positive, tho I wonder, if the spinal damage is extreme what decisions the Mackey Team will face… people all over the world are watching and wondering how these accidents/encounters happen, and how they will be resolved… a law suit can be an ugly, and messy thing…costing LOTS of $$$, probably lots more than vet bills, a sled, and ruined gear…I don’t know how they gage “pain and suffering”, but in my mind, this accident had pretty devastating consequence’s to the athletes(dog & human). I would think it would screw with your psyche. I do think more reflective clothing, harnesses, dog coats, etc…is a must…it should be looked at as a safety precaution by the mushers…may sound crazy, but I think I would carry small flairs to toss out if a snow machine was approaching…tho, it may frighten the dogs…I don’t know…somehow these encounters(man-made) must be stopped…again, thoughts and prayers go out to the Mackey Team!
March 30th, 2008 at 1:29 pm
My thoughts and prayers are with Lance, Zoro, the Mackey team, Freking and all of her family, team, and most importantly all of the dogs.
Honesty is the best policy and owning up to what the snowmachiner did as soon as possible will be in their best interest. The longer he/she waits, the more enraged the mushing community will be.
If I was a fellow snow machine rider that knew this individual, I would give him/her48 hours to reveal themself, and then I would drag them in. I for one hate being dragged under the bus due to being associated with others and their actions. Like mentioned in the News Miner blog, snowmaching as a whole will have more restrictions on them if this continues, and unless they *snowmachiners* can police themself the state will create more restrictions which will affect all, not just those that ride irresponsibly.
March 30th, 2008 at 3:37 pm
Hey everyone,
Anyone looking for updates and how they can help and donate can visit: http://www.zorrosfund.org
You can also visit Lance’s site at: http://www.mackeyscomebackkennel.com
Check and Money orders can be mailed directly to Lance at:
Zorro Fund c/o Tonga Mackey
Post Office Box 10262
Fairbanks, Alaska 99709
Any help and prayers are very appreciated right now! Thank you!!!!!
March 30th, 2008 at 5:11 pm
The Safety checkpoint- yeah right! - bar should be CLOSED during any race. Don’t give those drunks a reason to be on the mushers trail endangering everthing in their path.Lance is so fortunate that he saved his own life. Drunks and motorized anything are irresponsible idiots.
March 30th, 2008 at 10:48 pm
CORRECTION on your typo Kate,its Tonya Mackey,good luck
March 31st, 2008 at 5:36 am
i just read that Mackey will not press charges and will not reveal the names of the two snow machiners, because he said they were extremely sorry for the accident and Mackey doesn’t want futher condemnation of the men.
Wow, he is a better person than I am.
I am still outraged over this whole sitution. He let these men off the hook.
I see no difference in this snow machine incident and a car accident hitting innocent bystanders They need to be held responsible so this doesn’t happen again.
March 31st, 2008 at 7:12 am
I too, am just so angry over the snow machine/ dog sled accidents…I also feel there should be consequences for the bad decision these people made…drinking and driving ANY motorized vehicle should , under present laws have penalties, and they should be severe…We could all be mourning Jennifer Freking, Lance Mackey, or anyother musher who tangled with a snow machine…instead, we are praying for a miracle for a highly prized #1 athlete, Zorro. I encourage EVERYONE to write to the appropriate authorities…(addresses can be found on Mackeys web site.) At the very least, these men should be raising funds to replace what they have destroyed, the sled, gear, and vet bills…which must all total 15,000 plus by now. Give what you can, prayers and $, every dollar helps, and is needed for Zorros care. I’m sure the Frekings could also use monetary help, Lorne was killed, and another dog severely injured…these accidents are avoidable, and rules must be established to ensure safely for these great athletes.
March 31st, 2008 at 7:46 am
Was it a coincidence. Sounds like something out of the movie Iron Will. So heart wrenching for all involved. Praying for a speedy recovery and happy outcome.
March 31st, 2008 at 7:50 am
Was it a coincidence. Sounds like something out of the movie Iron Will. So heart wrenching and so unjust. Am praying for a speedy recovery and happy outcome for all.
March 31st, 2008 at 8:08 am
Thank you for posting the information.. I have tried to log onto Lance’s website but my computer keeps freezing up every time I go there..
I agree, there has to be a way to safeguard the mushers & their
teams while they’re racing..
I think it’s time a committee is formed to work out the problem and get some answers…It could have just as easily been a child on that trail…
It’s time to act now before more injuries or deaths happen during these races..Count me in if I can help out I will.
Bree
March 31st, 2008 at 11:34 am
i just read on the home page of AAs that Zorro is expected to make a full recovery IN TIME.
God has shown His Grace on the Mackey family again.
This is good news indeed.
i hope the move for Zorro’s Rule doesn’t die with this good news.
This Rule will be important for all mushers and teams in an effort to keep them safe.
Things happen for a reason and maybe this is the reason.
March 31st, 2008 at 2:00 pm
Does anyone else find this fishy? I am a fan of Lance’s, but is there any proof that a snowmobile hit him? I have read that he didn’t file a report until the next day. Doesn’t that seem odd? I don’t mean any disrespect to Lance or his family-just wishing more information was given.
March 31st, 2008 at 2:10 pm
So happy at hearing ZORRO will make a full recovery.
Sad that everyone had to go thru this, but God is good, and so faithful to all those that call on his name.
March 31st, 2008 at 3:03 pm
I just found the pictures of the damaged sled. Defininately hit by a snowmobile. Very sad. He is a much better person than I am (for not releasing what the person looked like)
March 31st, 2008 at 8:25 pm
Does anyone know how many sled dogs have been killed or injured by snow machine encounters, while running these big races?? Just curious…maybe while writing to the committees, we should all suggest Zorro’s Rules…would be nice if somehow ALL athletes/sled dogs names were used in such a set of rules… glad to hear Zorro has a chance at recovery…he has a long road ahead…months of healing…I’m wondering how Lance and Family are feeling…relieved, I’m sure. I hope the Mackey Kennel can recover, (inside and out), and be back on the racing scene next season…
April 1st, 2008 at 9:52 am
There are some good articles on the Seattle times, and Seattle PI, web sites…more info on Zorro, (good news!!) and quotes from Mackey himself… thought some of you would like to know!!
April 1st, 2008 at 11:27 am
say, Julil, what dates on the PI and Times? Yesterday or today—-and thanks for the info
April 1st, 2008 at 3:00 pm
Dates in the Seattle papers are march 30, and 31st…there was a small blurb on the 29th…(just reporting the accident, not much detail there…) I googled Seattle Times, and then put in Lance Mackey / Zorro…and a list of articles came up….I found out many things not said in previous up dates…hope that helps!
April 1st, 2008 at 3:02 pm
Hey Skeptical, could you point us in the direction of the photos in the sled??? Thanks!!
June 16th, 2008 at 7:03 pm
Hi i been going on this every time i get a chance a say what i say so here it goes..
I am sorry Lance Mackey for what happened to Zorrow
and i feel really sad and that i cant go to sleep unless Seatle Sue gives me and Kathy a update on how Zorrow was doing so i feel sorry what happened to your team