3 Dogs Die After Snowmachine Collides with Sled Dog Team in Alaska: 'Wonderful Animals'

"They truly embodied the Alaskan spirit and will live on through their teammates and in my heart," said Mike Parker, who was with the dogs at the time

Three dogs were killed and a fourth was injured when a snowmachine crashed into the dog team in Alaska, authorities said.

According to Alaska State Troopers, the snowmachine collided with the sled dogs about two miles east of Cantwell along the Denali Highway around 5:30 p.m. local time on Monday.

Troopers said that "no humans were injured in the collision." but that three dogs were killed and another dog was injured.

"The snowmachine operator stopped to render aid and has been contacted by Troopers," officials added, noting that alcohol didn't appear to be a factor in the crash

"At this time, no arrests have been made or citations issued," they wrote. An investigation is ongoing.

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The dogs were owned by veteran musher Jim Lanier, according to a social media post from Mike Parker, who was operating the dogs at the time.

“This was an unspeakable tragedy. Myself, Jim, our families and the mushing community are mourning the loss of these wonderful animals,” Parker said in a statement on Tuesday.

Parker said John Lennon, a 4.5-year-old male dog, died on impact. Meanwhile, Solo, a 3-year-old female, died in his arms as they headed to an animal hospital, while Buttercup, a 7-year-old female, died on the trail.

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Meanwhile, KitKat, a 7-year-old female, suffered a fractured femur and other injuries. As of Thursday, she was stable and awaiting surgery.

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Parker, who said he'd been working at the kennel for the past two years, went on to mourn the loss of the animals.

"Words cannot describe how important and meaningful these animals are to me and the Laniers," he wrote. "From a sled dog perspective, they were all fantastic leaders that have competed in Iditarod, won the Kobuk 440, and shined in countless other races, including setting a speed record in the Hal Bartko Nome Sign 40 with me last year and helping me complete two Iditarod qualifying races."

"As companions they were sweet, gentle and full of personality," Parker added. "They truly embodied the Alaskan spirit and will live on through their teammates and in my heart."

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As the message continued, Parker said that he hoped "no other musher ever has to go through the horrifying experience I did on the trail."

"For this to happen not long after a similar incident on the Denali Highway is unthinkable," he wrote, referencing a crash that took place in November, killing two dogs, according to local outlet KTUU.

"Jim and I did all we could to save the dogs," Parker added, noting that they're "optimistic that KitKat will recover and live a long life with us."

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