Home / Disasters and Accidents / Couple Sues Legendary Kennel After Sled Crash
Couple Sues Legendary Kennel After Sled Crash
24 Mar
Summary
- Couple claims serious injuries after dogsled tour overturned.
- Lawsuit alleges kennel failed to maintain trail, remove hazards.
- Suit filed two years after incident, just before statute of limitations.
An Oregon couple, Randall and Philippa Hall, have filed a lawsuit against Trail Breaker Kennel in Fairbanks, Alaska, alleging they sustained serious injuries during a dogsled tour on March 30, 2024. The couple claims the sled overturned mid-ride after hitting an unspecified hazard on or near the trail, throwing them to the ground. They assert that the kennel neglected its duty to properly inspect and maintain the tour trail, leaving hazardous obstacles like stumps untrimmed.
The lawsuit was filed in Fairbanks Superior Court on the anniversary of the alleged incident, narrowly within Alaska's two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. Trail Breaker Kennel, established in 1976 by the late Susan Butcher, a celebrated Iditarod winner, is now owned by her daughter, Tekla Butcher-Monson. While aware of the crash, Butcher-Monson reportedly was not aware of the lawsuit.
The Halls, who reside in Gold Beach, Oregon, are seeking unspecified damages for their injuries, including medical expenses, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. They maintain they followed all guide instructions and were seated as directed before the accident occurred. The kennel has been contacted for comment.
