PALMER, Alaska (WKRC) — An Alaska woman faces felony charges after an intoxicated driving incident led to the death of a 10-year-old child and injuries to three others.
According to the Alaska State Troopers, the crash occurred on June 18 in the Jim Creek Recreation Area near Palmer.
Authorities said Hannah Lebel, 32, of Wasilla, was operating a side-by-side utility vehicle with four juveniles on board when it overturned onto its roof.
A 10-year-old child was found unresponsive and pronounced dead at the scene, despite immediate life-saving efforts from bystanders. Three other children suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to a local hospital.
Troopers observed signs of impairment during the investigation and later confirmed Lebel was intoxicated. According to charging documents, she admitted to consuming alcohol prior to the crash and was reportedly driving at a high rate of speed to spray the children with water.
Witnesses reported hearing a child warn that the vehicle was going too fast before the rollover. Additionally, investigators found that none of the occupants were wearing seat belts at the time of the crash.
Lebel was arrested and charged with criminally negligent homicide, manslaughter, assault, and driving under the influence. The investigation is ongoing.