Troopers: Pilots, passengers in Soldotna mid-air collision ID'd

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Friday, July 31st, 2020 2:43pm

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Soldotna, Alaska (KINY) - Alaska State Troopers have released the identities of the seven people involved in a Friday mid-air collision near Soldotna.

Troopers, along with Soldotna Police Department, Central EMS, State Parks, and the FAA all responded to the crash site.

It was determined that two planes were involved. One plane had a single occupant, the other plane had six occupants.

All were confirmed deceased on the scene except for one person that succumbed to injuries during transport to the local hospital.

Positive identity has been made on all occupants of both aircraft and next of kin notifications have been made.

IDs are as follows: Rep. Gary Knopp, age 67, of Kenai, was the sole occupant of one plane. The six occupants of the other plane are identified as Pilot Gregory Bell, age 57 of Soldotna; Guide David Rogers, age 40 of Kansas; Caleb Hulsey, age 26, of South Carolina; Heather Hulsey, age 25 of South Carolina; Mackay Hulsey, age 24, of South Carolina, and Kirstin Wright, age 23, of South Carolina.

“This is an unfathomable tragedy for multiple families today. The DPS sends a heartfelt condolence to all who lost a loved one in this mid-air collision,” said Commissioner Amanda Price, Department of Public Safety. “Troopers and partner agencies have worked together diligently at the scene and have reached out to next of kin to notify them of this heartbreaking incident.”

NTSB has been notified and will be conducting the investigation as to the cause of this crash.

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