Crash claims 1 life

A car accident at Mile 61 Seward Highway claimed the life of Rollo Hansen, 74, of Florida, on Saturday at 5:18 p.m. Hansen's 1998 Plymouth Neon crossed over the center line and struck a 2006 Chevy pickup belonging to Lyle Gill, 35, of Anchorage, who was traveling southbound on the highway.

"Medical units from Moose Pass and Cooper Landing and troopers from Cooper Landing and Girdwood responded," said Megan Peters, public informations office for the Alaska State Troopers. "Gill sustained minor injuries. Also Gill's two sons were in the vehicle, neither one was injured."

Peters said Hansen was conscious after the accident and was declared dead at 6:16 p.m.

"Alcohol was not a factor," Peters said. "We're thinking that driver inattention or possibly falling asleep (caused the collision)."

Troopers are still trying to find out whether or not Hansen was wearing his seat belt at the time of impact. Hansen's next of kin has been notified, Peters said, and both vehicles were impounded for investigation.