Three die in Tuesday car crash

BIG LAKE -- Three Valley residents died after a three-car accident on the Parks Highway just south of the Big lake turn-off Monday.

Alaska State Troopers and ambulances from Big lake, Meadow Lakes and Wasilla responded to the scene beginning at about 8:40 p.m.

According to troopers, Michael L. Mikkelsen, 57, of Houston, and Frederick and Alvera Alley ages 54 and 51 of Willow all died from injuries sustained in the accident.

Mikkelsen and Alvera Alley were pronounced dead at the scene, according to troopers. Frederick Alley died after being transported to Valley Hospital in Palmer, according to Big Lake Ambulance Chief Lorie Miner.

Two other accident victims, Caitlin Fisher, 17, of Wasilla and Tarrah Naczi, 15, of Wasilla were transported to Valley Hospital with serious injuries, but in stable condition.

"Nobody on scene as far as our rescue personnel were able to tell who was at fault or how the accident unfolded. The patients who were there weren't able to tell us either," Miner said the next day.

Troopers are still investigating the accident and would not comment on the cause.

Frederick and Alvera Alley were Mikkelsen's passengers, traveling in the southbound lane in Mikkelsen's 2000 Oldsmobile sedan, according to a trooper press release.

Troopers reported that Fisher was traveling in the northbound lane in her 1998 Ford Taurus when she apparently lost control of her car, crossed the center line and collided with the oncoming Oldsmobile.

After the initial accident, the Oldsmobile was hit by a southbound 1991 Chevrolet pickup truck driven by 16-year-old Big lake resident John Butcher, according to troopers.

Miner was one of the emergency responders at the scene and was able to confirm part of the trooper's report.

"I believe [the Oldsmobile] was hit twice," Miner said.

Miner said Mat-Su Borough emergency service personnel were on the scene within seven minutes of being notified.

Both rescue and ambulance crews assisted at the scene.

"Our rescue techs are cross-trained. Several rescue techs were on scene and they are also medically trained," Miner said.

The trooper's press release said alcohol was not believed to be a factor in the accident at this time.

The investigating officers were on holiday this week and unavailable for comment.