The beautiful wild spaces of Alaska are supposed to be places where families make happy memories. But for one local family, a quick trip into the wilderness turned into an absolute nightmare. A young girl is gone, and a community is left completely heartbroken.
Ten-year-old Brielle Lebel died on a Thursday evening after a terrible accident. She was out with family and friends in the Jim Creek Recreation Area. It is a popular spot for outdoor lovers in the Mat-Su Valley.
The group was riding in a side-by-side utility vehicle. Things went horribly wrong around 6:30 p.m. when the vehicle flipped over completely. It landed hard on its roof, trapping the kids inside.
Brielle was found completely unresponsive when people rushed to help. Good Samaritans at the scene did not hesitate. They immediately stepped in and started doing CPR to save her. Emergency workers arrived quickly and took over, but they could not bring her back. She was pronounced dead right there at the scene.
Three other children were also riding in the vehicle during the crash. They all suffered injuries when the machine rolled over. First responders rushed them to a local Mat-Su hospital. Thankfully, officials say their injuries are not life-threatening, but the emotional scars will last a long time.
Police looked closely at the driver, 32-year-old Hannah Lebel from Wasilla. State troopers noticed right away that she seemed impaired. After testing her, investigators determined she was driving while intoxicated. They arrested her on very serious charges, including criminally negligent homicide and manslaughter.
Now, a massive wave of grief is washing over the entire Mat-Su Valley. Friends and neighbors are coming together to support the family. They remember Brielle as a bright, sweet child who brought joy to everyone around her. Her life was cut short in a tragedy that never should have happened.
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