PALMER, Alaska (WKRC) — Authorities confirmed a 10-year-old child was killed in a side-by-side utility vehicle rollover accident on June 18 in the Jim Creek Recreation Area near Palmer.
According to Alaska State Troopers, Hannah Lebel, 32, of Wasilla, was driving with four juveniles when the vehicle overturned. A bystander reportedly found the child unresponsive, and despite attempts at life-saving measures, the child was pronounced dead at the scene.
Three other minors sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to a local hospital. Authorities noted signs of impairment in Lebel during their investigation, later confirming her intoxication.
Charging documents reveal that Lebel admitted to consuming alcohol prior to the crash and reportedly stated she had been driving through water to splash the children. Witnesses indicated that a child warned the vehicle was going too fast before the incident occurred.
Troopers also reported that none of the occupants were wearing seat belts at the time of the rollover. Lebel faces charges including criminally negligent homicide, manslaughter, assault, and driving under the influence.
The investigation continues.