In a tragic incident near the entrance to Alaska’s Denali National Park and Preserve, a driver lost his life following a collision with a moose.

The accident took place in the early hours of Friday morning, approximately 1 a.m., just south of the Denali Park Road at Mile 235 on the George Parks Highway, commonly known as the Parks Highway.

The vehicle struck the moose, resulting in fatal injuries to the 24-year-old male driver from Bulgaria, who was pronounced dead at the scene.

The 24-year-old female passenger, a resident of North Macedonia, sustained injuries and was subsequently transported to a Fairbanks hospital for treatment.

The National Park Service has initiated an investigation into the incident and is collaborating with the Bulgarian Embassy to notify the deceased’s family.

According to park officials, this collision serves as a significant reminder of the risks associated with wildlife encounters on Alaska's roadways.

Moose, caribou, and other large animals are often active during dawn, dusk, and nighttime hours, making them challenging to spot for drivers.