Fort McPherson (Feb 16/04) - Fort McPherson teacher Kira Epstein was killed Friday when her vehicle collided with a Fort McPherson RCMP vehicle on the Dempster Highway.

Epstein had been driving east-bound on the Dempster highway near Frog Creek at about 5:15 p.m. when the accident occurred. She was heading to Inuvik for the weekend and was alone in her vehicle.

Epstein, in her early 30s, died on the scene. The RCMP officer and his two passengers received non-life threatening injuries and were taken to the Fort McPherson nursing station for treatment, said Sgt. Daryl Key, G-Division media relations officer.

The Dempster highway remained closed all weekend so a G-Division traffic analyst and a senior could do a formal investigation.

The specialists didn't arrive until late Saturday because the RCMP plane had mechanical difficulties and a charter had to be used, said Key.

No further details were available by press-time Sunday because the investigation was still underway.

No charges have been laid at this time.

Epstein's death has shaken the entire community of Fort McPherson, where she taught at Chief Julius School for the past six years, as well as residents of the Mackenzie Delta and beyond.

"She's a real part of this community," said Tetlit Gwich'in chief Abe Wilson.

"It's a sad thing to have happen."

Wilson said Epstein really shone during the school's annual On the Land program because she loved to camp and be with the kids.

"I know she was a real caring teacher and got involved with community events," he said.

Epstein served on the NWT Teachers' Association as vice president of the Beaufort Delta region on and off for the past six.

"She was a superb teacher and person," said James Anderson, Beaufort Delta Education Council superintendent of schools, who considered Epstein a friend.

"She was in the top five per cent of teachers I've ever known. She worked tirelessly for teaching in the community as well as her professional organization."

Anderson said Epstein's students refused to leave her classroom when the news was broken to them Friday night.

"It goes to show what kind of teacher she was," he said.

A community feast for the students of Chief Julius School was held Saturday evening in her honour.