Sterling Highway Reopens Following 2 Fatal Collisions

Alaska State Troopers reopened the Sterling Highway early Saturday morning after completely shutting it down for hours the night before following two major fatal collisions.

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By KTVA CBS 11

Story Created: Jul 23, 2011 at 8:39 PM AKDT

Story Updated: Jul 23, 2011 at 8:39 PM AKDT

Alaska State Troopers reopened the Sterling Highway early Saturday morning after completely shutting it down for hours the night before following two major fatal collisions.

The first happened just before 5:20 p.m. Friday at mile 64 near Skilak Lake where a Jeep SUV collided with a motorcycle, according to troopers.

William A. Tillery, 46, and Angela Tillery, 45, were both on the motorcycle and pronounced dead at the scene.

The Jeep’s driver 23-year-old Richard A. Moffitt was taken to the Central Peninsula Hospital with injuries.

The second collision occured about an hour later at mile 45 of the Sterling Highway.

Shaina Watt, 27, of Chugiak, was driving southbound when she attempted to pass a another vehicle in her SUV.

She collided with a northbound pickup truck driven by 61-year-old James McPherson.

Watt and two passengers were airlifted to the hospital but an infant in her car was pronounced dead on the scene.

McPherson was treated for minor injuries.

All parties were reportedly wearing seatbelts and using child safety seats.

While the highway is reopened, it is packed with drivers bound for the Kenai Peninsula to fish.

Troopers encourage drivers to be patient, safe, and prepared for long waits.

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Tami said on Sunday, Jul 24 at 7:08 PM

I am so sorry this is such a sad story !!!!

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