On February 23, 2006, after a post-launch celebration, several Sandia Labs employees were four-wheeling on Narrow Cape Beach - Kodiak Island, Alaska.

While attempting to climb a hill, their Government Jeep became stuck in the sandy beach. Upon returning to their lodge, they were told to retrieve the stuck vehicle.

After dark, Sandia technicians Diana Helgesen, Josh Lucas and Dave Stokebrand were headed out to the beach to retrieve the stuck vehicle.

On the second trip down the dark beach the three Sandians' vehicle hurtled into a massive beach washout.

According to the Alaska State Troopers' report, the vehicle left no skid-marks as it drove into a gully measuring thirty feet across and six feet deep. They determined "Alcohol was a factor."

"Although the speed ... was unknown, the impact was severe enough to cause serious head / brain injury to (Helgesen and Stokebrand). (Lucas) was wearing his safety belt and suffered a broken arm." - Alaska State Trooper's Report