Alaska Department Of Public Safety,State Troopers Public Information Office

Dispatch Text:

On July 30, 2026, at 5:43 pm, the Alaska State Troopers responded to an automatic crash notification from a cell phone at milepost 111 Sterling Highway.  Troopers discovered a two-vehicle collision at the intersection of the Sterling Highway and North Cohoe Loop Road.  The vehicles involved were a brown 2011 Subaru Outback, driven by 87-year-old Kasilof resident Bruce Lape, and a green 1995 Mitsubishi minivan.  
 
Investigation revealed Lape was driving eastbound on North Cohoe Loop Road and failed to yield while turning left onto the Sterling Highway. Lape turned in front of the minivan, which was traveling southbound on the Sterling Highway. Lape suffered serious injuries and was transported by ambulance to a local area hospital and then by air to an Anchorage area hospital. A passenger in Lape's vehicle was transported to a local area hospital for serious injuries. The driver of the min-van reported no injuries.  All parties were reported to have been wearing seatbelts. The investigation continues. 
 
On August 2, 2026, Lape, succumbed to his injuries and died at an Anchorage area hospital.  Next of kin were present.