Ketchikan, Alaska – September 2025 — Authorities in Ketchikan are investigating a deadly single-vehicle crash that occurred Thursday morning near the Centennial Parking Lot and Ketchikan Creek. Officials confirmed that at least one person has died following the incident, which unfolded just after 9 a.m. and drew a massive emergency response from multiple agencies.

Crash Details
According to the City of Ketchikan, the incident began when a vehicle suddenly exited the Centennial Parking Lot, located adjacent to Ketchikan Creek, and plunged into the water near the Good Fortune Restaurant at 4 Creek Street, a popular area frequented by both residents and tourists.

Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene, as the vehicle appeared to accelerate before breaking through the edge of the lot and crashing into the creek. Some reported hearing a loud impact followed by shouts for help as bystanders rushed to see what had happened.

Emergency Response
The response to the crash was immediate and extensive. Units from the Ketchikan Police Department, Ketchikan Fire Department, South Tongass Fire Department, North Tongass Fire Department, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation were dispatched to the scene.

Emergency personnel worked quickly to reach the submerged or partially submerged vehicle, while Coast Guard crews assisted in monitoring the waterway for any hazards or environmental risks, including potential fuel or oil leakage. Divers and rescue teams were also deployed to ensure no other victims were trapped in the vehicle or water.

Fatality Confirmed, Victim Not Yet Identified
Officials confirmed that at least one person was killed in the crash. However, authorities have not yet disclosed whether the deceased was the driver of the vehicle, a passenger, or a pedestrian who may have been in the vicinity when the car entered the creek.

As of Thursday afternoon, police had not released the identity of the victim pending notification of next of kin. The uncertainty has left many in the community anxiously awaiting updates as investigators continue their work.

Ongoing Investigation
The Ketchikan Police Department is leading the investigation into what caused the vehicle to leave the parking lot. Factors under review include possible mechanical failure, driver impairment, or a medical emergency. Witness statements, surveillance footage from nearby businesses, and forensic evidence from the crash site are expected to play a key role in determining the circumstances leading up to the tragedy.

The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation also remains involved to evaluate and mitigate any environmental risks, particularly fuel leakage from the submerged vehicle into Ketchikan Creek, which flows into the larger harbor area.

Community Impact
The crash has rattled the tight-knit Ketchikan community, where Creek Street and its surrounding businesses are not only central to daily life but also draw significant tourist traffic. Several shops and restaurants temporarily closed as emergency responders worked at the scene.

Residents expressed sorrow and shock at the fatal crash. “It’s heartbreaking to see something like this happen right here in the heart of town,” one witness said. “We’re just praying for the family of the person who lost their life.”

Developing Story
As of now, authorities have not confirmed how many people were inside the vehicle at the time of the crash, nor whether additional injuries occurred. Updates from police and city officials are expected later in the day once more details are confirmed.

The investigation is ongoing, and further information regarding the victim’s identity, cause of the crash, and next steps in recovery efforts will be shared as it becomes available.

For now, the City of Ketchikan has urged residents to avoid the area around Creek Street while first responders and investigators remain on site.