Boy dies after ATV-car collision

Aug. 5, 2005

MAT-SU - A 15-year-old Wasilla boy died Thursday, the day after he and a 14-year-old girl were riding on an all-terrain vehicle that crossed the Parks Highway against the light and collided with an AMC Eagle at the Pittman Road intersection, according to a Thursday report from Alaska State Troopers.

Cole Blakely, 15, died at about 3:50 p.m. at Providence Alaska Medical Center. Ashley Armknecht, 14, suffered hip and leg injuries in the crash and remains hospitalized.

Legan Howard, 42, was driving the 1981 AMC Eagle that hit the youths' 2003 Honda four-wheeler at about 11:35 p.m. Wednesday. The kids apparently were trying to cross the highway against the light and thought it was clear after a truck made a left-hand turn; the Eagle was behind the truck and collided with their ATV.

They were transported to Providence Alaska Medical Center. There is no evidence that Cole and Ashley were wearing helmets when the collision occurred, troopers said. An investigation into the accident is continuing.