Wasilla man airlifted to hospital after ATV rollover

TRAPPER CREEK — A Wasilla man was transported Friday to Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage with life-threatening head injuries after the 2013 Polaris Ranger 6x6 he was riding in rolled, trapping him beneath.

Alaska State Troopers from the Talkeetna post and troopers from the South Central Bureau of the Highway Patrol responded around 5:24 p.m., Sept. 13 to report of an all-terrain vehicle crash near Mile 16, Petersville Road in Trapper Creek.

Their investigation determined that Dean Hjelytman, 46, of Anchorage, was driving the ATV on Petersville Road with passengers Jerrell Barker, 51, of Anchorage and Channing Jensen, 28, of Wasilla.

Jensen was thrown from the vehicle and it rolled over on top of him — trapping him — after the driver took a corner too fast, troopers said in a press release.

“Hjelytman was attempting to negotiate a corner at a high rate of speed when the Polaris slid sideways and rolled onto the passenger’s side,” according to a dispatch from troopers about the incident.

Emergency services crews arrived, treating Jensen and preparing him for transport by LifeMed helicopter to Providence Hospital in Anchorage.

Hjelytman was transported by ground ambulance to Mat-Su Regional Medical Center in Palmer for treatment of minor injuries. Barker reported no injuries and was released.

Troopers say alcohol appears to be a factor in the collision and seat belts and helmets were not used. Troopers will continue to investigate.