Mother Allegedly Kills 10-Year-Old Daughter in Alaska Side-by-Side DUI Accident

A tragic off-road vehicle crash in Alaska has resulted in the death of a 10-year-old girl and the arrest of her mother, who authorities say was driving under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident. The heartbreaking accident occurred in the popular Jim Creek Recreation Area near Palmer and has left a family and community grappling with an unimaginable loss.

According to the Alaska State Troopers, the crash happened on Thursday evening when a side-by-side utility vehicle carrying four children overturned and rolled onto its roof while traveling through the recreation area. Emergency responders rushed to the scene after receiving reports of the accident, where they found one of the juvenile passengers critically injured.

Troopers said the 10-year-old girl was discovered unresponsive and suffering from severe head trauma. First responders and medical personnel performed CPR for approximately 30 minutes in an effort to save her life. Despite those efforts, she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Three other children who were riding in the vehicle sustained injuries that authorities described as non-life-threatening. They were transported to a local hospital for treatment and evaluation.

Investigators identified the driver as 32-year-old Hannah Lebel of Wasilla. According to troopers, Lebel was operating the side-by-side with four juvenile passengers onboard, including two of her own children and two children belonging to a family friend.

As part of the investigation, authorities examined the crash scene and the vehicle involved. Troopers reported detecting the odor of alcohol in the area of the side-by-side and said Lebel exhibited signs consistent with impairment. During their search, investigators allegedly discovered six empty beer cans and multiple cases of alcoholic beverages inside the vehicle.

Based on evidence collected at the scene and subsequent observations, troopers concluded that Lebel was intoxicated at the time of the crash.

Witness statements provided additional details about the moments leading up to the rollover. According to investigators, one of the children reportedly warned Lebel that she was driving too fast shortly before the accident occurred. Authorities later determined that excessive speed was a contributing factor in the crash.

Investigators also found that none of the occupants were wearing seatbelts when the vehicle overturned. Safety experts have long warned that side-by-side utility vehicles can become extremely dangerous during rollovers, particularly when occupants are not properly restrained.

The combination of alleged impairment, excessive speed, and lack of seatbelt use appears to have played a significant role in the tragic outcome, according to preliminary findings released by troopers.

Following the investigation at the scene, Lebel was taken into custody and booked on multiple charges. Authorities said she faces allegations including manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, assault, and driving under the influence.

The case has drawn attention throughout Alaska, where side-by-side vehicles are commonly used for recreation and transportation in rural and outdoor areas. The incident has also renewed discussions about off-road vehicle safety, responsible operation, and the dangers of driving while impaired.

While criminal proceedings are expected to move forward in the coming weeks, the focus remains on the devastating loss of a young child whose life was cut short in a preventable tragedy. Family members and friends are mourning the death of the 10-year-old girl, while the three surviving children continue to recover from their injuries.

Alaska State Troopers emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing. Detectives continue to gather evidence, review witness statements, and reconstruct the events that led to the fatal rollover. Additional details may be released as the case progresses through the legal system.