Fatal Collision on Parks Highway Claims Four Lives
PALMER, AK — A multi-vehicle crash on Parks Highway resulted in four fatalities and multiple injuries on Monday, September 4, around 4:30 p.m.
According to Alaska State Troopers, a southbound 2018 Subaru Outback driven by 40-year-old Cary Taylor-Bloomquist of Palmer crossed into oncoming traffic, colliding with two motorcycles and a pickup truck near Mile 156. The crash closed the highway during the busy Labor Day weekend.
The incident claimed the lives of 63-year-old Jeffrey Esley and 60-year-old Charlene Esley, both from Fairbanks. Taylor-Bloomquist was also pronounced dead at Providence Alaska Medical Center, where her 5-year-old daughter, Addie Bloomquist, later succumbed to her injuries.
David Fulton, a 62-year-old motorcycle rider from Fairbanks, was critically injured and transported to Providence. His wife, 50-year-old Heidi Fulton, and passenger Chelsea Bryner, 29, were also involved; they sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were taken to Mat-Su Regional Medical Center.
Emergency responders, including local medics and LifeMed helicopters, arrived approximately 30 to 45 minutes after the crash. Lane closures remained in effect as authorities conducted an investigation.
Troopers confirmed that Taylor-Bloomquist was a long-time teacher in the region, while Charlene Esley was a well-known community member employed in the meat department at Fred Meyer in Fairbanks.
Investigations into the cause of the collision are ongoing.