Three Motorcyclists Killed in Glenn Highway Collision Near Palmer
PALMER, AK — Three motorcyclists died Saturday evening in a crash involving four motorcycles and two vehicles on the Glenn Highway.
According to Alaska State Troopers, the incident occurred around 7:49 p.m. near Mile 37. A 1987 Ford pickup, driven by 29-year-old Slade Storud, had stopped in the northbound lane to turn into a driveway when it was struck from behind by a 2010 Chevrolet van driven by 19-year-old Dakota Letherman. The impact pushed the pickup into the path of the northbound motorcycles.
Troopers confirmed that three motorcyclists—James D. Carlyle, 53; Sabrina A. Carlyle, 47; and Elaine J. Loew, 64—were declared dead at the scene. A fourth motorcyclist was taken to the hospital with unknown injuries. The occupants of both the pickup and the van did not appear to suffer serious injuries.
The collision resulted in the closure of the Glenn Highway in both directions, with traffic being rerouted through the Parks Highway and Trunk Road. The highway was expected to reopen by approximately 11:30 p.m.
No further details on the ongoing investigation have been released by authorities.
The accident occurred in clear weather conditions, coinciding with a busy weekend for motorcyclists following an annual bike blessing event earlier that day on the Park Strip, attended by local officials.
This report will be updated as more information becomes available.