Troopers identify 2 killed in head-on crash along Parks Highway near Willow

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Alaska State Troopers say three people died Sunday following a head-on crash along the Parks Highway at mile 87 near Willow. It happened around 3 p.m.

According to an online dispatch report, a person driving a compact car attempted to pass in a no-pass zone when they collided with a pickup truck, killing the two occupants of the truck and the person in the compact car. Both cars were engulfed in flames.

On Monday, troopers identified the two people who were in the pickup truck as 69-year-old Gary Witt of Anchorage and 62-year-old Cynthia Witt of Anchorage. Their family has been notified by troopers.

Troopers wrote in an updated dispatch report that they are still working to identify and notify the family of the driver and only occupant of the compact car.

The highway was closed in both directions for about six hours while emergency services responded and police investigated. The highway reopened around 9 p.m.

Troopers said Monday that the investigation continues.

Editor’s note: This article has been updated with additional information.