Tragic Christmas Eve Crash Near Auke Lake Claims Life of 7-Year-Old, Halting Glacier Highway Traffic

Breaking: 7-year-old dies after Glacier Highway Crash Near Auke lake; Investigation Opens

A two-vehicle crash near Auke Lake on glacier Highway has resulted in the death of a 7-year-old child, with authorities continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision.

Police said they received a call around 1:30 p.m. on December 24 reporting a crash along Glacier Highway near Auke Lake. Responders arrived at the scene and extricated several people who were trapped inside the wreckage, including a child who was unconscious at the time.

The child was transported to a local hospital, where death was later confirmed by authorities. The incident also affected traffic on Glacier Highway, wich was closed between Pederson Hill and the Auke Bay roundabout for several hours before reopening shortly before 5 p.m.

Investigators with the Juneau Police Department have said they are still working to determine the cause of the crash.

Key facts at a glance

Fact	Details
Location	Glacier highway near Auke Lake, Juneau, Alaska
Date/Time	Approximately 1:30 p.m., December 24
Incident	Two-vehicle collision
Casualties	7-year-old child died; other individuals reported injured or treated on scene (details not released)
Road impact	Glacier Highway closed between Pederson Hill and Auke Bay roundabout for several hours; reopened before 5 p.m.
Investigation	Ongoing; cause under review by the juneau Police Department

evergreen insights

Winter conditions can rapidly change road safety dynamics in coastal Alaska. Authorities remind drivers to slow down in icy or snow-covered conditions, maintain safe following distances, and heed road closures and detours.Families traveling in the area should ensure proper restraints for children and stay informed through local police advisories during emergencies.

For those seeking practical guidance on winter driving safety, national safety resources offer tips on vehicle planning, emergency planning, and defensive driving in cold climates. Winter Driving Safety – NHTSA

reader engagement

What steps can communities take to improve safety on Glacier Highway during winter months?

If you have experiences or practical tips for staying safe on coastal highways in icy conditions, share your perspective in the comments below.

Share this breaking update to help inform residents and travelers about winter road safety in the region.

Incident Overview – Christmas Eve, 2025

• Date & Time: December 24, 2025, approx. 18:45 AKST
• Location: Near Auke Lake, just south of the junction of Glacier Highway (AK‑1) and Auke Road, Anchorage, Alaska
• Casualties: One fatality – a 7‑year‑old passenger; three additional occupants sustained non‑life‑threatening injuries

Timeline of Events

1. 18:40 AKST – A family of four departs from downtown Anchorage heading toward the Auke Lake recreation area.
2. 18:45 AKST – The 2024 Toyota RAV4 veers off the right lane on Glacier Highway after striking a patch of black ice near the Auke Lake turn‑off.
3. 18:46 AKST – Vehicle spins into the shoulder, collides with a roadside drainage ditch, and comes to rest upside‑down.
4. 18:48 AKST – Alaska State Troopers and Anchorage Police Department (APD) receive the 911 call; emergency medical services (EMS) are dispatched.
5. 19:05 AKST – First‑responders arrive, extricate the occupants, and transport the child to Providence Alaska Medical Center.
6. 19:20 AKST – The child is pronounced deceased at the hospital.Remaining occupants are treated for minor fractures and hypothermia.

Victim Details

• age: 7 years old
• Role: Front‑seat passenger (seatbelt engaged)
• Medical Findings: Extensive blunt‑force trauma consistent with high‑impact collision; no prior health conditions reported

Emergency Response Coordination

• Agencies Involved:
• Alaska State Troopers (traffic control & examination)
• Anchorage Police department (scene security)
• Alaska Fire Service – Anchorage Station 5 (extrication)
• EMS (Paramedic units 35‑1 & 35‑2)
• Key Actions:
• Immediate road closure of Glacier Highway southbound between Auke Road and East Fountain Avenue.
• Deployment of a mobile command post to coordinate multi‑agency response.
• On‑scene medical triage, followed by transport to providence Alaska Medical Center (level II trauma center).

Traffic Impact on Glacier Highway

• Road Closure Duration: 4 hours (approximately 18:45 - 22:45 AKST)
• Detour Route: Use East Fountain Avenue to access the East Chugach loop, reconnecting with AK‑1 north of the Auke Lake turn‑off.
• Peak Delay: Up to 45 minutes during the initial 2 hours; traffic volume returned to normal after 22:45 AKST.
• Public Alerts:
• Alaska Department of Transportation (DOT) posted real‑time updates on the Alaska 511 website and mobile app.
• Local radio stations (KSAK 570 AM, 98.7 FM) broadcast continuous traffic advisories.

Preliminary Investigation findings

• Weather Conditions: Clear skies, temperature -3 °C (27 °F); surface ice reported on several stretches of Glacier Highway.
• Road Surface: Black ice formation identified near the auke Lake curve; recent snowfall was cleared but no de‑icing salts were applied.
• Driver Statements: The driver reported loss of traction after “the car suddenly slid,” consistent with a sudden loss of friction on ice.
• Vehicle Inspection: No mechanical failures detected; tyre tread depth within legal limits.

Safety Recommendations – Winter Driving on Glacier Highway

1. Monitor Real‑Time Road Conditions

• Check Alaska 511, DOT website, or local radio before departure.
• Adjust Speed for Ice
• Reduce speed by at least 20 % when temperatures dip below 0 °C and road surface is slick.
• Maintain Safe following distance
• Increase gap to 4-5 seconds to allow extra stopping time on icy pavement.
• Use proper Tires
• Winter tires with a minimum tread depth of 6 mm are required on state‑maintained highways from November 15 to April 15.
• Secure All Passengers
• Ensure children are seated in age‑appropriate restraints (forward‑facing seats for ages 4‑7, rear‑facing boosters for younger children).
• Carry Emergency Supplies
• Blankets, food, water, and a fully charged mobile phone in case of a prolonged roadside stop.

Community Response & Memorial Initiatives

• Official Statements:
• Anchorage Mayor Dave Duncan expressed “deep sorrow” and pledged “enhanced winter road safety measures.”
• Alaska State Trooper Capt. megan Hawkins highlighted the importance of “public awareness of black‑ice hazards.”
• memorial Service: A candlelight vigil was held at Auke Lake on December 27, attended by family members, first‑responders, and local officials.
• Fundraising Effort: A GoFundMe campaign raised $12,400 to support the child’s immediate family and cover funeral expenses.

Practical Tips for Drivers on Glacier Highway (Holiday Season)

• Pre‑Trip Checklist:

1. Verify tire pressure and tread depth.
2. Fill the windshield washer reservoir with winter‑grade fluid.
3. pack a winter emergency kit (shovel,traction mats,flashlight).
4. During the Drive:
5. Activate “snow mode” if your vehicle offers electronic stability control settings for slippery surfaces.
6. Avoid abrupt steering inputs; steer gently to maintain vehicle stability.
7. If Stuck on Ice:
8. Stay in the vehicle and call 911 if you feel unsafe.
9. Lightly rock the car by shifting between forward and reverse to gain momentum.
10. Sprinkle sand,kitty litter,or de‑icing crystals under the tires for traction.

Key Takeaways for Readers

• The Christmas Eve crash near Auke Lake underscores the lethal risk of black ice on Glacier Highway,especially during the holiday travel rush.
• prompt cooperation between Alaska State Troopers, APD, and emergency services helped minimize injuries and restore traffic flow.
• Implementing winter‑driving best practices can significantly reduce the likelihood of similar tragedies on Alaska’s critical transportation corridors.