Man found dead on highway

WASILLA — Alaska State Troopers are working to figure out exactly why a Wasilla man wound up dead on the Parks Highway.

Troopers initially reported the death of Scott L. Johnson as a hit-and-run. Since then, said trooper spokeswoman Beth Ipsen, investigators have decided to broaden the investigation to avoid ruling out other causes of death.

“The hit and run could still be a possibility but they didn’t want to say, ‘Yeah definitely this is a hit and run we’re going to investigate it as a hit and run,’” she said.

According to a press release, troopers received a 911 call reporting the body lying in the southbound lane of the highway at 3:34 a.m. Friday. Ipsen said the call came from a passerby who happened upon the body.

Two minutes later, troopers arrived on scene. They later found Johnson’s motorcycle stashed in the bushes and say it appeared as though the engine had seized.

Ipsen said Johnson, 22, of Wasilla, was wearing black clothing when he died.

She said troopers are seeking any information about Johnson’s death, including anyone who might have seen what happened but also anyone who might know his whereabouts that evening. The information they have about what Johnson was up to stops at about 7 p.m., Ipsen said.

Anyone with information is asked to call troopers at 745-2131 or Mat-Su Crime Stoppers at 745-3333.