PALMER, Alaska (WKRC) — A 32-year-old woman faces multiple felony charges following a June 18 rollover crash that killed a 10-year-old child and injured three others in the Jim Creek Recreation Area.
According to Alaska State Troopers, Hannah Lebel of Wasilla was operating a side-by-side utility vehicle with four juveniles when it overturned. The 10-year-old was found unresponsive and pronounced dead at the scene despite bystander efforts.
Three other children sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to a local hospital for treatment. Troopers noted signs of impairment during their investigation, leading to a determination that Lebel was intoxicated.
Charging documents indicate that Lebel admitted to consuming alcohol prior to the incident and was reportedly driving in a manner intended to spray water on the children. Witnesses stated they heard a child express concerns about the vehicle's speed before the rollover.
Authorities reported that none of the passengers were wearing seat belts at the time of the accident. Lebel has been charged with criminally negligent homicide, manslaughter, assault, and driving under the influence.
The investigation is ongoing.