Alaska (KTUU) – A crash involving two aircraft near Soldotna has resulted in the deaths of seven people, Alaska State Troopers said Friday afternoon.
Troopers have identified Rep. Gary Knopp of Kenai as the only occupant of one of the planes. The other plane had six passengers who were identified as 57-year-old Pilot Gregory Bell of Soldotna, 40-year-old David Rogers from Kansas, 26-year-old Caleb Hulsey, 25-year-old Heather Hulsey, 24-year-old Mackay Hulsey and 23-year-old Kirstin Wright all from South Carolina.
Troopers say family has been notified. Troopers say there was debris left on the Sterling Highway near where the crash happened at mile 91.5. The highway was temporarily closed “due to safety concerns.”
Troopers say all occupants of the two planes were reported deceased on the scene with the exception of one person who died on the way to the hospital.
Kenai lawmaker Rep. Gary Knopp was one of the passengers in a plane involved in the fatal crash.
Alaska House Majority Communications Director Austin Baird confirmed the news through a press release Friday morning.❑
