ANCHORAGE, Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Alaska, Oct. 21, 2026 — A husband and wife died and their toddler was hospitalized after a head-on crash on Monday morning, October 19, on the Parks Highway, Alaska State Troopers said.
Troopers identified the victims as Sasha Hart, 38, and David Hart, 41, both of Fairbanks. According to the report, Sasha Hart was driving a Subaru Forester south on the Parks Highway around 9 a.m. with her husband and their toddler inside when the vehicle reportedly crossed the centerline near the Three Bears gas station. The Subaru collided head-on with a northbound Ford F-250. Both adults died at the scene.
The toddler was flown to a hospital in Anchorage with injuries described by troopers as non-life-threatening. Relatives met the child at the hospital after being notified.
The crash shut down the Parks Highway in both directions near Milepost 115 for several hours on Monday. Troopers said around noon that a detour had been set up while the roadway was closed. The cause of the crossover remains under investigation.
We offer our deepest sympathy to the families of the victims.
Local Crash Information for Anchorage, AK
The crash was reported on Parks Highway in Anchorage. For more crash news from the area, see our latest Matanuska-Susitna Borough crash news.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I see a vehicle drifting into my lane?
Slow down, move right if possible, and sound your horn to alert the other driver. Avoid swerving sharply, since an overcorrection can cause a separate crash or send you into another lane of traffic.
What injuries are common in head-on crashes?
Because both vehicles' speeds combine on impact, head-on crashes usually cause chest and abdominal injuries, broken bones, head trauma, and spinal injuries. Children and smaller occupants can be hurt even when properly restrained.
What typically causes a vehicle to cross the centerline?
Common factors include driver fatigue, distraction, impairment, medical emergencies, or road conditions like ice, standing water, or poor visibility. Investigators in any given case usually examine all of these before determining a cause.
What to Do After a Head-On Crash in Anchorage, AK
If you're involved in or witness a head-on crash, call 911 right away and stay as far from moving traffic as it's safe to do. Even if you feel fine afterward, get checked by a medical provider, since injuries like concussions or internal bleeding aren't always obvious right away. Take photos of the scene if you're able, get the names of any witnesses, and request a copy of the official crash report once it's available. If a child was involved, make sure a pediatrician evaluates them even after emergency responders clear them at the scene.
