Troopers: Man arrested on DUI charges after collision that claimed life of Wasilla woman

A 35-year-old Wasilla man was arrested on DUI charges Wednesday night after the vehicle he was driving crossed the center line and struck an oncoming vehicle head-on, resulting in the death of a passenger.

According to Alaska State Troopers, William Brucher was driving west on the Palmer-Wasilla Highway near Skip Circle around 7:20 p.m. Wednesday when his 1998 Ford Expedition entered the oncoming lane and struck a 2005 Chevrolet Suburban head on.

“As a result of the accident, passenger Brandy Reed, age 42, of Wasilla, became entrapped in the Suburban. After Brandy was extricated from the Suburban by EMS, she was transported to Mat-Su Regional Hospital where she succumbed to her injuries and died” troopers wrote in an online post. “All other passengers in the Suburban were treated for minor injuries and later released from Mat-Su Regional Hospital.”

Brucher was subsequently arrested on charges of driving under the influence. Troopers said their investigation is ongoing.