Willow man ejected from car in rollover

WILLOW — A man reported several times as a dangerous driver Friday night was flown by helicopter to Providence Alaska Medical Center after the 1997 Chevy Tahoe he was driving rolled several times.

Officers of the South Central team of the Alaska State Troopers Bureau of Highway Patrol and Mat-Su Borough Department of Emergency Services personnel responded to a report of a single vehicle injury accident about 100 feet off the Parks Highway on Willow-Fishhook Road around 9:25 p.m., Friday.

Trooper spokesperson Beth Ipsen said Jesse Dupps, 28, of Willow was driving south on Willow-Fishhook Road when he lost control of the Tahoe, crossing into the oncoming lane before the vehicle rolled several times. He was not wearing his seat belt and was ejected from the vehicle, suffering severe facial injuries.

A female passenger in the vehicle, Erin Stillwell, 26, of Willow, also was not wearing her seat belt and sustained minor injuries, Ipsen said.

Two children in the rear of the Tahoe, ages 6 and 2, were properly restrained and were not injured, she said. However, a dog in the car was killed in the crash, Ipsen said.

She said dispatch received several REDDI reports about the driver prior to the crash. The investigation is on going, but Ipsen said alcohol is believed to be a factor.

Anyone who was a witness to the rollover is urged to contact the Bureau of Highway Patrol at 352-5401.