Alert Trooper Finds Crash Victim at Bottom of Ravine

An Alaska State Trooper alerted by a 911 cellphone "hang up" call was able to find a Wasilla man who had plunged off the Sterling Highway down a 40-foot ravine.

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by Associated Press

Story Created: Feb 25, 2013 at 4:21 PM AKDT

Story Updated: Feb 25, 2013 at 4:21 PM AKDT

ANCHORAGE - An Alaska State Trooper alerted by a 911 cellphone "hang up" call was able to find a Wasilla man who had plunged off the Sterling Highway down a 40-foot ravine.

Trooper Joseph Miller early Friday morning went looking for someone in trouble in an area known to have poor cellphone reception.

He noticed a disturbance in the snow near Mile 62 and stopped.

Troopers' spokeswoman Megan Peters says Miller heard cries for help.

At the bottom of the ravine he found 36-year-old Jason Wallace, who had suffered a leg injury and had tried unsuccessfully to call for help on his phone.

Trooper Miller warmed Wallace with a parka until an ambulance arrived.

Wallace was treated at Central Peninsula General Hospital in Soldotna for the leg injury and exposure.
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