Jeep driver hospitalized after colliding with semi truck at Church and Parks intersection

WASILLA — A Grand Jeep Cherokee driver was sent to the hospital after colliding with an oncoming semi truck at the Church and Parks Highway intersection Tuesday evening.

The Wasilla Police Department is handling the case, according to WPD public information officer Amanda Graham. She said that the Alaska State Troopers were already nearby and first on the scene, aiding WPD’s efforts on the roadway.

According to Graham, the semi truck driver was the one to call it in at 7:55 p.m.. She said it was dispatched at 7:56 p.m. and the first responder was on scene at 7:57.

“That’s a pretty quick response time,” Graham said.

Upon arrival, authorities identified the drivers of each vehicle involved in the accident. According to a WPD press release, Frederick Nightingale, age 53, of Florida, was northbound on the Parks Highway in a Jeep Cherokee and collided with Josiah Goodenough, age 35, of Wasilla, who was southbound on the Parks, turning left to get onto Church road where the two vehicles collided.

Nightingale was transported to the Mat-Su Regional Medical Center for his injuries and the investigation is still ongoing. Graham said Goodenough was not harmed, but did receive a citation for failing to yield while turning left.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com