Speed was likely a factor in the recent death of a 31-year-old Whitehorse woman in a single-car collision on the Alaska Highway near Marsh Lake.

Karli Melissa Dougherty, a long-time resident of the city, was the driver and only occupant of the vehicle.

“Her vehicle was heading north and had gone down an embankment that was not readily visible from the highway,” the coroner’s office said.

“It is believed that the accident likely occurred on Friday, May 26, but it was not noticed due to the poor visibility from the highway.

The vehicle left the road at Kilometre 1367 of the highway.

Dougherty’s death was reported to the coroner’s service on Monday afternoon.

“The cause of the accident has not yet been determined; however, it appears that speed may have been a factor,” the coroner’s office said.

“The Yukon Coroner’s Service is investigating this fatal accident with Whitehorse RCMP’s Traffic Analyst Team and appreciate the assistance of the RCMP ‘M’ Division.

“We urge all Yukoners to be cautious year-round when driving Yukon highways – be aware of your surroundings, drive attentively, be ready to react to wildlife, and think safety first.

“The Yukon Coroner’s Service extends our sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Ms. Dougherty and to the community of Whitehorse, who have been deeply impacted by this tragic death.”