Fourth of July accident claims fourth victim

MAT-SU — Alaska State Troopers said Thursday that the July 4 accident that claimed the lives of three Princess Lodge workers has claimed a fourth.

According to spokeswoman Beth Ipsen, Matthew Holmes, 20, of Hudsonville, Michigan, died Wednesday night of his injuries.

Holmes and Christopher Niles, 19, also of Hudsonville, were the only two who survived the crash near Mile 131 Parks Highway in Trapper Creek.

Holmes was taken to Providence Alaska Medical Center, after the crash, Niles to Alaska Native Medical Center.

Nathan Pollard and Jerry Luzzi, both 21, of California, died on scene. William Bradley, also 21, of California, died on the way to the hospital.

All five lodge workers were thrown from the red 2003 Infiniti as it rolled off the highway. None were wearing seatbelts.

Troopers say they believe the group was heading from Talkeetna back to the Princess Mt. McKinley Lodge when the accident occurred. Troopers were called to respond at 8:33 p.m.

Ipsen said troopers believe that alcohol was a factor in the crash, but only accounts that the men were seen partying at a Talkeetna-area park prior to the accident.