CHS secretary, local pastor killed by driver in Arizona

PALMER — An administrative secretary at Colony High School and the pastor of a local church were killed Mother’s Day as they walked down a sidewalk in Scottsdale, Ariz.

The parents of four former and current CHS students, Doris and Randy Bjerken reportedly were on a Matanuska Assembly of God retreat at the time of the Sunday morning incident.

According KNXV television news in Scottsdale, a 23-year-old male driver had driven a GMC SUV onto the sidewalk and struck the couple and a power pole. They were pronounced dead at nearby hospitals.

Although Scottsdale authorities don’t believe drugs or alcohol played a part in the accident, it is still under investigation. The driver was treated for nonlife-threatening injuries and later released.

The church at 12801 West Arctic Ave. in Palmer is holding a prayer gathering at 7 p.m., tonight.

Mat-Su Borough School District Spokeswoman Catherine Esary said today the entire district is mourning the loss and that extra counselors are on hand at CHS.

“Everyone in the district knows and loves Doris and she will be greatly missed,” Esary said. “It’s just sad for everyone. I’ve had calls from lots of administrative staff to help the family any way they can.”

Esary said the couple’s four children all attended CHS and one of them is still a student at the school.

Contact K.T. McKee at kate.mckee@frontiersman.com or 352-2252.