In response to the statement from state trooper spokesman Lt. Dial (Dec. 13 CVN, “Troopers Won’t Re-visit Heli-ski Probe”): “If Liberman survived, he could potentially be held criminally liable, but the company is not criminally liable by extension.”
Had Rob survived, who would have known THC was in his bloodstream? It was the result of the autopsy report that this information became public. Would he have been tested? Alaska Helisking has no drug-screening policy. Were the other guides tested after the accident, as is commonly done with employees involved in any form of accident or death? Dial says the company is not criminally liable by extension. Who then is responsible to the clientele for the condition of the employees while working? As employer, AH is both responsible and liable for the death of Nick Dodov. AH charges money for services and must be held accountable. Zero tolerance should be the standard when clients are placing their lives in the hands of a so-called professional guiding business. AH claims to have the highest safety standards. We know that to be false.
How does a client find the company which provides the level of adventure, risk, and safety they are looking for?
While all Haines heli-ski companies claim to be the best, I see no mention of any drug or alcohol screening policy or accident/death information on their websites. How does the average client know if their guide is stoned before signing a release of liability agreement?
Marilyn Davis
Bear Valley, Calif.