Palmer teen dies following four-wheeler crash

PALMER -- One of two teen-agers whose four-wheeler collided with a car has died of injuries suffered in the Wednesday crash, Alaska State Troopers said.

Alan Horning, 13, of Palmer, died Thursday at 11 a.m. at Providence Alaska Medical Center. He received head trauma in the collision.

Alexander Sims, 15, who troopers identified as being of Anchorage and Palmer, was taken to Valley Hospital with less severe injuries. He was in fair condition Friday evening.

The crash occurred at 8 p.m. at the intersection of Palmer Fishhook Road and Werner Road near Palmer. Troopers said the teens were riding on Palmer Fishhook after dark without any operating lights. Neither wore a helmet, troopers said.

The four-wheeler was rear-ended by a 1992 Subaru Legacy driven by a 17-year-old girl, said troopers. Both vehicles were going west when the crash occurred.

The name of the driver, who was not injured, is being withheld by troopers pending further investigation. Troopers said in a press release they are discussing the case with the Palmer District Attorney's office.