Two-Year-Old Girl Survives Alaska Crash That Killed Both Parents, Leaving Her Orphaned

A two-year-old girl has survived a devastating head-on collision in Alaska that killed both of her parents, leaving her without the mother and father who relatives say were the center of her world.

Paige Hart was traveling with her parents, Sasha Hart, 38, and David Hart, 41, along the Parks Highway near Trapper Creek on the morning of October 19 when their vehicle was involved in the fatal crash.

According to the Alaska Department of Public Safety, a preliminary investigation found that the black 2018 Subaru Forester driven by Sasha was heading south when it crossed the center line near milepost 115. The vehicle then collided head-on with a northbound white Ford F-250.

Both Sasha and David, who were from Fairbanks, were pronounced dead at the scene. Their daughter survived and was taken to a hospital in Anchorage for treatment.

Although authorities initially described the toddler’s injuries as non-life-threatening, relatives later told local television station KTUU that Paige had suffered six broken bones. She was reported to be recovering and in stable condition.

The tragedy has devastated the Hart family, who said the couple had recently celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary. David’s sister, Shery Elterman-Hart, remembered Sasha as someone who quickly became an important part of their family.

Another sister, Katie Ragsdale, said Paige had been the couple’s entire world. Relatives have found comfort in seeing familiar traits of both parents in the little girl, including her expressions and love of sweets.

“You still have a piece of them, a living piece of them still on Earth,” Ragsdale said.

The family has launched a fundraising campaign to help cover Paige’s medical expenses and provide for her future needs. Shery Elterman-Hart is preparing to help raise her niece alongside her husband and their two sons.

The circumstances surrounding the collision remain under investigation by Alaska State Troopers.