PALMER, Alaska (WKRC) — An Alaska woman faces felony charges following a rollover crash that resulted in the death of a 10-year-old child and injuries to three other children on June 18.
According to the Alaska State Troopers, the incident occurred in the Jim Creek Recreation Area near Palmer. Hannah Lebel, 32, of Wasilla, was reportedly driving the side-by-side utility vehicle with four juveniles when it overturned.
Authorities said the 10-year-old was found unresponsive; despite immediate life-saving efforts by bystanders, the child was pronounced dead at the scene. Three other children sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to a local hospital.
During the investigation, Troopers noted signs of impairment and later determined that Lebel was intoxicated. She allegedly admitted to consuming alcohol prior to the crash and indicated she had been driving through water to spray the children.
Witnesses reported hearing a child caution that the vehicle was traveling too fast before the rollover. Investigators concluded the vehicle was exceeding a safe speed, and none of the occupants were wearing seat belts.
Lebel has been charged with criminally negligent homicide, manslaughter, assault, and driving under the influence. The investigation is ongoing.