According to Alaska State Troopers, Jennifer L. Van Ausdal, 33, was traveling southbound in a 2005 silver Subaru Forrester at approximately 8:05 p.m. when she crossed the center line and struck a northbound 1995 black Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by Erin L. Kruse, 50, of Houston. Kruse’s Jeep then collided with a southbound 1999 green Mercury Tracer driven by Gabriela Olide, 18, of Wasilla.
Van Ausdal was transported by LifeGuard helicopter to Providence Medical Center in Anchorage, where she was pronounced dead.
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Kruse was also transported to Anchorage by LifeGuard. Troopers said Sunday that she was at Alaska Regional Hospital in stable condition.
Olide was treated for minor injures at Mat-Su Regional. Two passengers in her vehicle were uninjured.
Seat belts were worn by all involved.
Mrs. Van Ausdal is survived by her husband, Dennis, a teacher at Wasilla Middle School, and her two sons.
She was a 1993 graduate of Wasilla High School who grew up in the Valley as part of a large family.
According to those who knew her, “Jenny” was a deeply spiritual person who enjoyed music, spending time with her family and helping out at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, where she was a “very active” member, according to Suzanne Stewart, who is coordinating memorial arrangements at the church.
“She helped with music, working with cultural events,” Stewart said Sunday.
Stewart said plans for a memorial service have not yet been finalized, as members of Van Ausdal’s family are still en route to Alaska.
Wasilla High principal Dwight Probasco said Van Ausdal taught physical science, biology and physics at the school.
Probasco said he'd known Mrs. Van Ausdal since when she entered the school as a freshman, and even taught the young Jenny Wilcox as a 10th-grade biology student.
On Sunday, he said Mrs. Van Ausdal will be remembered as a popular, outgoing teacher who was a favorite of students and faculty alike.
“The children really connected with her,” Probasco said.
He said Van Ausdal — who also taught at Houston High before transferring to WHS three years ago — had an open-door policy with students, allowing them into her classroom for lunch, playing music during breaks and offering up her rocking chair to those who needed to take a load off.
“She was just the kind of teacher every student should experience,” he said.
Probasco said a crisis team will meet before school Monday morning to discuss the loss, and extra counselors will be brought in to help students and staff deal with their grief.
“It’s going to be a rough day,” he said.
Losing a member of the Wasilla High School family — especially one with a long history in the community — will be difficult for everyone, he said.
“Our school is more than just walls, it’s the people inside,” he said. “There’s a big hole now.”
Both Van Ausdal and Probasco took special pride in the fact that she was a teacher who’d returned to her roots to educate the next generation of Valley youth.
“It’s kind of neat, we have 21 teachers on our staff who graduated from Valley high schools,” he said. “Now we’ve lost one of them.”
Saturday's accident occurred within feet of a memorial cross erected for a previous fatal accident at nearly the exact same location.
Troopers returned to the scene Sunday morning to continue the investigation. Two troopers and a lieutenant spent much of the morning photographing the area, taking measurements and collecting other data.
There were almost no skid marks visible on the stretch of road leading up to the crash site, which was marked by the remnants of the previous night's tragedy — including spilled motor oil, some broken glass, vehicle fluids and the bright orange paint used by police to mark the scene.
Alaska State Troopers are seeking anyone who may have witnessed the accident. Anyone with information is asked to call (907) 745-2131.
Contact Frontiersman reporter Matt Tunseth at 352-2265 or matt.tunseth@frontiersman.com

Comments
72 comment(s)Wisdom X wrote on Sep 9, 2008 6:12 AM:
spencer conard wrote on May 30, 2008 1:01 PM:
Heath & Jennifer Wilson wrote on Mar 10, 2008 8:17 AM:
Jenelle wrote on Mar 3, 2008 1:43 PM:
Angela wrote on Mar 2, 2008 11:16 PM:
"
JB wrote on Mar 2, 2008 3:52 PM:
Shes not the victim wrote on Mar 2, 2008 11:57 AM:
She could have killed innocent people.
Thank goodness the innocent people were not the ones killed by the inattentive or wreckless driving of this person.
Not one post here about the other poor people. "
Dennis VanAusdal wrote on Mar 1, 2008 5:07 PM:
Charlene wrote on Feb 29, 2008 4:10 AM:
I figured that was your Mother in this accident. Last number I have for you is in Anchorage. Your Rainbow sister Nicole and I have your Mother and your family in our prayers. I am so sorry for the loss of your father too. Please call us so we can come see you and your Mom.
Charlene previously of Palmer #7
"
Deborah wrote on Feb 29, 2008 12:43 AM:
Jennifer, we knew you are in a wonderful place now with the angels.
"
KAM wrote on Feb 28, 2008 6:48 PM:
Aunt Melody Wilcox wrote on Feb 28, 2008 3:06 PM:
Randy & Marcella Staheli wrote on Feb 28, 2008 1:04 PM:
Rebecca Kruse wrote on Feb 28, 2008 11:08 AM:
Anne Moran wrote on Feb 28, 2008 10:49 AM:
God Bless, Mike & Anne Moran, San Antonio, TX "
Marie Wright (Judd) wrote on Feb 27, 2008 1:42 PM:
Lisa wrote on Feb 27, 2008 10:06 AM:
Alumni wrote on Feb 27, 2008 9:37 AM:
Vona & Robert Judd & Family wrote on Feb 27, 2008 7:41 AM:
I don't know the words to express our heartfelt grief for the loss of Jen at this time. She was a wonderful friend and we love you guys so much. Pleas know you are in our prayers and I hope Zack and Timmy the best recovery from this horrible accident! Please know how much we love you and wish we could be there for you to lean on! We are here anytime of day for you Dennis, just call!!! Love, Vona and Robbie Judd "
Cheryle Touchton wrote on Feb 26, 2008 7:16 PM:
Michelle Maynor wrote on Feb 26, 2008 5:10 PM:
Grandma Wilcox wrote on Feb 26, 2008 12:47 PM:
Raylene Kennedy and family wrote on Feb 26, 2008 7:45 AM:
Alecia Ray wrote on Feb 26, 2008 5:44 AM:
Kat wrote on Feb 26, 2008 4:10 AM:
Sandra Kreger wrote on Feb 26, 2008 12:55 AM:
My prayers go out to her family and friends. "
Holly Peterson wrote on Feb 25, 2008 10:47 PM:
The Jackson Family wrote on Feb 25, 2008 10:35 PM:
Erica May wrote on Feb 25, 2008 9:39 PM:
kirstin wrote on Feb 25, 2008 8:49 PM:
Kristina S. wrote on Feb 25, 2008 8:00 PM:
Brent Seamans wrote on Feb 25, 2008 7:06 PM:
"
Rebekah Smith wrote on Feb 25, 2008 6:58 PM:
Deanna Horton wrote on Feb 25, 2008 4:43 PM:
We were so sorry to hear about this tragedy and your loss. You and your boys are in our prayers. The people in Goshen, Utah are thinking about you. Max, Barara, and Deanna Horton "
Cassandra wrote on Feb 25, 2008 2:49 PM:
Love the Ratliffs "
Angela wrote on Feb 25, 2008 1:27 PM:
Shanna John wrote on Feb 25, 2008 11:47 AM:
Connie Davis wrote on Feb 25, 2008 11:30 AM:
We are deeply sorry for your loss, Jen was a fun lady. We are praying for you and your boys. You are in our prayers. Eddie and Connie Davis family. "
firefighter wrote on Feb 25, 2008 11:12 AM:
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Renee' Blakely wrote on Feb 25, 2008 9:21 AM:
Mrs. C wrote on Feb 25, 2008 8:05 AM:
Avaree McNeill wrote on Feb 25, 2008 6:46 AM:
Wild Child wrote on Feb 24, 2008 11:44 PM:
Jenelle Healy wrote on Feb 24, 2008 9:14 PM:
josie wrote on Feb 24, 2008 9:10 PM:
AmiH wrote on Feb 24, 2008 8:43 PM:
Lindie wrote on Feb 24, 2008 8:35 PM:
I would always turn to Mrs. VanAusdal for help and always hung out in her class. I was so close to her and she was so outgoing and loving. She was one of the best teachers I've ever had. My heart and prayers goes out to the family. When I found out this news..I didnt want to think it was happening. I didnt want it to be real. It wasnt her time to go...It just wasnt.. "
Michael Daniels wrote on Feb 24, 2008 8:24 PM:
kelsea,jazzmyne,& ksxenia wrote on Feb 24, 2008 8:14 PM:
Sandra Ray wrote on Feb 24, 2008 8:05 PM:
On previous entry, please reflect my name as "Sandra Wilcox Ray". Thanks for this opportunity! "
Kelsie wrote on Feb 24, 2008 8:01 PM:
We love you mrs V.
"
morgan wrote on Feb 24, 2008 7:44 PM:
she is greatly missed by evryone out here in the vally
mey you rest in peace. "
Sandra Ray wrote on Feb 24, 2008 7:35 PM:
Rihtarshich and Martin Family wrote on Feb 24, 2008 5:42 PM:
Kaylene R "
Summer Hanes wrote on Feb 24, 2008 5:14 PM:
I vaguely remember her, but what I do remember, she was really a great person.
She was my first Jazz teacher, and I really looked forward to Jazz, as much as I complained about having to walk to the High School. She'll be missed greatly, by all.
Ruhen Im Frieden
Rest In Peace
"
kendra wrote on Feb 24, 2008 5:02 PM:
R.I.P
"
jewel wrote on Feb 24, 2008 4:47 PM:
karen&Alexis wrote on Feb 24, 2008 4:41 PM:
richard wrote on Feb 24, 2008 4:31 PM:
lisad wrote on Feb 24, 2008 4:03 PM:
sabrina warner wrote on Feb 24, 2008 3:50 PM:
Cassie Hall wrote on Feb 24, 2008 3:32 PM:
Amanda wrote on Feb 24, 2008 3:28 PM:
Tanya wrote on Feb 24, 2008 3:09 PM:
destynie millhouse wrote on Feb 24, 2008 3:02 PM:
KJR1991 wrote on Feb 24, 2008 2:32 PM:
russellP wrote on Feb 24, 2008 2:23 PM:
R.I.P
russellP "
Charles WJ Twohy wrote on Feb 24, 2008 2:22 PM:
Skyler wrote on Feb 24, 2008 2:00 PM:
Jazz&ksxenia wrote on Feb 24, 2008 1:38 PM:
vikwing2 wrote on Feb 24, 2008 10:18 AM:
W. S. wrote on Feb 24, 2008 9:39 AM: