Crash kills retired officer

By NAOMI KLOUDA-Frontiersman reporter

A retired Alaska State Trooper and his son died in a car collision Saturday evening on their way back from his daughter's wedding in Talkeetna.

Sgt. Edward Stauber, 53, was heading back to his home in Anchorage with his son, Mason, 25, and his wife, Nancy, following in a car behind him.

"He had just given his daughter away in marriage," said trooper spokesman Greg Wilkinson.

At about 7 p.m., near Mile 74 Parks Hwy., Stauber apparently hit an icy patch and swerved sideways, crossing into the northbound lane.

The Hogan family of Palmer was in the other vehicle, a 1996 Ford Pickup traveling north. The family told troopers that Stauber seemed to be trying to avoid the accident by tapping on his brakes and swerving to the right. The pickup hit the passenger side of the Explorer.

Edward Hogan, 48, his wife Mary, 49 and two children, ages 12 and 7, were also transported to Valley Hospital with what have been reported as minor injuries, Wilkinson said.

The trooper's son, Mason Stauber, died of injuries while being transported to Valley Hospital.

"There was some report that a moose might have been the cause and later Trooper Ted Norris did see a moose in the area," Wilkinson said. "But we'll never know if that's why or the icy roads."

Sgt. Stauber joined the Alaska State Troopers in April of 1976 and retired on July 1, 1997. He was promoted to sergeant on July of 1982.

During more than 20 years with the troopers, Sgt. Stauber served in Anchorage and Cooper Landing. He also served in White Collar Crime and Commercial Vehicle Enforcement. Before becoming a trooper, Sgt. Stauber worked for the Alaska State Parks. He is survived by his wife, Nancy, and their daughter, Saundra "Sunshine"

"Ed Stauber was a wonderful man, and an excellent trooper," said Department of Public Safety Commissioner Glenn G. Godfrey, upon being notified of Stauber's death. Alaska State Troopers do not suspect alcohol was involved. Road conditions were reported as icy in the area of the crash. Troopers are continuing their investigation.