Sterling man dies in crash

A Sterling man was killed early Sunday morning in a motorcycle accident near Cooper Landing.

Leelynn Chumley, 33, was driving his 2001 Harley Davidson south on the Sterling Highway, when he drove off the road into a ditch near Mile 43.5, according to Alaska State Troopers. The motorcycle apparently rolled several times.

Cooper Landing Emergency Services were the first to respond to the accident, pronouncing Chumley dead at the scene.

Troopers from Soldotna and Seward also responded after receiving a 911 call.

According to Greg Wilkinson, trooper spokesperson, Chumley was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident and sustained extensive head injuries. Other injuries and the official cause of death are unknown at this time.

The cause of the accident also is unknown. Wilkinson said the only witness was the man who called 911. He had driven past Chumley going the opposite direction, then heard the crash and turned around.

"We don't know why he drove off the road, just that he did," Wilkinson said. "It's a real shame."

The State Medical Examiners office and Chumley's next of kin have been notified of the accident. The case remains under investigation by troopers.