Palmer, Alaska — A tragic off-road vehicle crash in Alaska has left a 10-year-old child dead and three other children injured, while the driver now faces multiple criminal charges after investigators determined she was allegedly impaired at the time of the incident.
The crash occurred on the evening of June 18 at the popular Jim Creek Recreation Area near Palmer, where emergency responders were called following reports of a rollover involving a utility terrain vehicle (UTV).
Authorities say the vehicle was carrying four children when it overturned, leading to a fatal outcome for one of the young passengers.
Child Dies After UTV Rolls Onto Its Roof
According to Alaska State Troopers, emergency crews responded to the recreation area at approximately 6:35 p.m. after receiving reports that a side-by-side off-road vehicle had rolled over.
A preliminary investigation found that 32-year-old Hannah Lebel was operating the UTV with four juveniles inside when the vehicle overturned and landed on its roof.
Three of the children suffered injuries that were not considered life-threatening and were transported to a local hospital for treatment.
However, a 10-year-old child was pronounced dead at the scene.
Officials said the child’s body was transported to the State Medical Examiner’s Office, and family members have been notified.
Investigators Allege Driver Was Intoxicated
During their investigation, troopers reported observing signs that Lebel may have been impaired. Authorities later concluded that she was intoxicated at the time of the crash.
As a result, Lebel was arrested and booked on several charges, including:
- Manslaughter
- Criminally negligent homicide
- Assault
- Driving under the influence
Investigators have not released additional details regarding blood alcohol testing or other evidence connected to the alleged impairment.
Questions Raised About Speed and Seat Belt Use
According to reports, Lebel told investigators she had consumed several alcoholic beverages, including three beers, before the crash.
Authorities said she allegedly told investigators she had been driving through water repeatedly because the children enjoyed the spray created by the vehicle.
Lebel reportedly claimed she did not know what caused the rollover and suggested the UTV may have struck a submerged bump or rock.
However, investigators uncovered information that raised additional concerns.
Troopers determined that none of the vehicle’s occupants appeared to have been wearing seat belts, despite claims that all four children had been restrained.
Authorities noted that the seat belts remained buckled after the crash, suggesting they had not been in use.
Witness Describes Moments Before Crash
As investigators reconstructed the events leading up to the rollover, witness accounts provided further insight into what may have happened.
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According to reports, one witness recalled hearing a child express concern about the vehicle’s speed shortly before the crash.
A child reportedly said they were “going too fast” as the UTV traveled through the area.
Troopers later examined tracks left by the vehicle and concluded it had been operating at a high rate of speed before overturning.
The findings remain part of the ongoing investigation.
Community Reflects on Tragic Loss
The incident has left a family and community grieving the loss of a young child while raising renewed concerns about off-road vehicle safety.
Authorities have not released the identity of the child who died.
The investigation remains active as law enforcement continues gathering evidence and preparing the case for prosecutors.
The tragedy serves as a painful reminder of the risks associated with impaired driving and the importance of proper safety measures when operating recreational vehicles, especially when children are involved.
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