News

Teen dies in Butte crash

Frontiersman Archive May 17, 2012

Alaska State Troopers say Christa E. Russell, 16, of Palmer, was driving this 2002 Toyota Camry across the Old Glenn Highway at North Bodenburg Loop when her vehicle was struck by a Kenworth dump truck at approximately 12:16 p.m., Wednesday. She died of her injuries after being taken to an Anchorage hospital. The accident closed the portion of the Old Glenn Highway between both ends of Bodenburg Loop for approximately four hours. Matt Tunseth/Chugiak-Eagle River

By ANDREW WELLNER Frontiersman.com

BUTTE — A teenaged driver has died after being rushed to the hospital Wednesday following a crash on the Old Glenn Highway.

According to Alaska State Troopers, the crash between a 2002 Toyota Camry and a 1999 Kenworth dump truck was reported at 12:16 p.m. at Bondeburg Loop and Old Glenn Highway.

Troopers say Christa E. Russell, 16, of Palmer, was driving the Camry, trying to cross the Old Glenn to head eastbound when the dump truck hit her.

“Russell was flown to Mat-Su Regional (Medical Center) by Life Med Alaska helicopter where she succumbed to her injuries,” troopers report.

Troopers say both Russell and the dump truck’s driver, Jacob J. Fortman, 39, of Wasilla, were wearing their seat belts at the time of the crash and that both vehicles were totaled.

The crash closed the Glenn Highway for a good portion of the afternoon.

“Investigation is underway to determine the cause and circumstances surrounding the collision,” troopers said in their initial press release.

Contact reporter Andrew Wellner at andrew.wellner@frontiersman.com or 352-2270.