Carcross man killed on Alaska Highway after metal gadget flies off truck

A prominent member of the Carcross-Tagish First Nation was killed on the Alaska Highway Sundaywhen a piece of metal flew off a passing freight truck into the windshield of his car.

Family members told CBC News the man is 58-year-old Ken Baker, who is well known in the territory, partly for his participation with the Tagish NationDancers.

Teslin RCMP Cpl.Geoffrey Peters said the crash occurred between Jakes Corner and Squanga Lake shortly before 5 p.m. as the two vehicles passed each other.

"The transport truck was travelling eastbound, the car was travelling westbound," said Peters.

"And when they passed, this piece came loose and went through the windshield of the vehicle."

Peters said the piece of metal from the truck appeared to be a ratcheting mechanism used to tighten and secure straps on the load.

He said the truck driver didn't stop and may not be aware of what happened.

Baker died at the scene.

A 65-year-old male passenger in the vehicle was taken to the Whitehorse Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Cpl. Peters said the police want to find the truck driver and are asking members of the public to come forward if they have information.