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.
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!
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.
Left by marlene moto-karl at deering alaska/45 minute sno-go trail to candle from here. on March 29th, 2008