Alaska State Troopers from Seward and Soldotna responded to the report of a two-vehicle collision on the Sterling Highway last Friday, shortly after 1:30pm.
The accident occurred at Milepost 57, near the Fuller Lakes Trailhead.
Investigation revealed Sherika Hatten, age 30 of Soldotna, was driving a black 2008 Toyota Corolla that collided head on with a 2021 Peterbilt Concrete Transit Mixing Semi.
Multiple witnesses reported Hatten’s vehicle was southbound and drifted across the center line before colliding with the semi that was headed northbound.
Hatten and the only other passenger, a 2-year-old male, were pronounced deceased on scene.
The driver and sole occupant of the semi did not report any injuries. The semi subsequently slid down the road embankment that borders the Kenai River.
Department of Environmental Conservation was contacted due to leaking fluids and fuel.
Preliminary scene investigation supports eyewitness statements that Hatten’s vehicle crossed the center line.
The bodies of both Hatten and the toddler will be transported to the State Medical Examiner’s office for autopsy.
Next of kin has been notified. AST investigation continues.
