Local man dies in one-car crash

MAT-SU -- A Wasilla man was killed after a single-car, high-speed crash near Mile 16 Knik-Goose Bay Road at about 9:47 p.m. Wednesday, according to a press release from the Alaska State Troopers. One passenger survived the accident with no injuries, according to troopers.

Robert L. Barron, 49, of Wasilla was driving south along Knik-Goose Bay in a 2000 Volvo sedan when he apparently lost control of the car, according to troopers. The car was traveling at high rate of speed, flipped several times and came to rest down a steep embankment about 71 feet from the edge of the road.

Troopers wrote that Barron was ejected from the car and was found pinned underneath the vehicle. He was transported to Valley Hospital by a Mat-Su Borough ambulance, where he was pronounced dead.

The passenger, Jeffrey R. Gustaveson, 39, of Wasilla, was not injured. According to troopers, Gustaveson said both men were wearing seat belts.

Troopers wrote Thursday that alcohol is believed to have been a factor in the crash, and that the investigation into the accident was not yet complete.