UPDATED: Palmer woman dies in highway accident

WASILLA — A two-car accident claimed the life of a Palmer woman Monday afternoon on the Palmer-Wasilla Highway in front of the AT&T Sports Complex.

A red Dodge pickup driven by David E. Young, 37 of Wasilla, rear-ended a 1982 Ford LTD traveling eastbound on the highway, killing Judy White, Alaska State Troopers Spokeswoman Megan Peters said. The sedan’s entire back end was demolished to the point it was unrecognizable, trapping White inside.

Peters said the call came in at 3:26 p.m. By 4:30 p.m., the car had been covered with a tarp and firefighters were moving vehicles in place to shield the victim’s extraction from the public’s view.

Young was not injured in the crash, and both drivers were wearing seat belts, troopers said. Peters said alcohol is not believed to be a factor, but toxicology tests are being done.

At the scene, Red Secoy, a Palmer resident, said he saw the aftermath of the wreck and offered his help.

“I just jumped out to help,” Secoy said.

Once he saw the victim inside the Ford, Secoy said he attempted to pry the door off, but wasn’t able to do so. Secoy said White was unconscious when he arrived, and when he grabbed her wrist he didn’t feel a pulse.

Snow was falling at the time of the accident and the temperature was in the low teens.

Troopers closed the section of the Palmer-Wasilla Highway running in front of the sports center while they conducted their investigation. No citations have been issued, and troopers report the investigation is ongoing.

Contact Michael Rovito at michael.rovito@frontiersman.com or 352-2252.