PALMER, Alaska (WKRC) — An intoxicated driver is facing felony charges following a rollover accident that killed a 10-year-old child in the Jim Creek Recreation Area on June 18.
According to the Alaska State Troopers, Hannah Lebel, 32, of Wasilla, was driving four juveniles in a side-by-side utility vehicle when it overturned onto its roof. A 10-year-old was found unresponsive at the scene and later pronounced dead. Three other children suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to a local hospital for treatment.
Troopers reported observing signs of impairment during their investigation of the incident. Lebel admitted to consuming alcohol prior to the crash and suggested that she had been driving aggressively to spray the children with water. Witnesses stated they heard a child warn that the vehicle was moving too quickly before the rollover occurred.
Authorities noted that none of the occupants were wearing seat belts, and the vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed. Lebel has been charged with criminally negligent homicide, manslaughter, assault, and driving under the influence.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing.