The Alaska State Troopers were notified that a person had fallen from a moving vehicle in Nikiski on Saturday June 3, 2023, at 11:17 pm, and was seriously injured.
Troopers and EMS responded to the scene but ultimately lifesaving efforts were not successful.
The preliminary investigation determined that Justin Martin, age 18 of Nikiski, had fallen from the vehicle resulting in fatal injuries along the Kenai Spur Highway.
According to Austin McDaniel, Communications Director with the Alaska Troopers said a 16-year-old juvenile who knew Martin was driving at the time of his fall from the pickup truck, but did not specify if there were other passengers in the vehicle at the time.
Martin was outside of the pickup truck and “standing on the roof of the cab” at the time of his fall, troopers said.
The 16-year-old driver was charged with DUI and additional charges may be filed as the investigation continues in coordination with the Alaska Division of Juvenile Justice according to Troopers.
The investigation is ongoing.
Next of kin has been notified, and Martin’s body has been sent to the State Medical Examiner’s Office for autopsy.