What to Know
An Alaskan mother reportedly took a group of children for an all-terrain vehicle ride on June 18, 2026. While riding through the Jim Creek Recreation Area in Palmer, 32-year-old Hannah Lebel’s ATV rolled over. Witnesses called 911, and Alaska State Troopers arrived at the scene shortly thereafter.
When they arrived, a 10-year-old child lay unresponsive, and three other children suffered non-life-threatening injuries. Witnesses and emergency responders attempted to revive the child, later identified as Lebel’s daughter, Brielle Rhoades, but she ultimately died at the scene.
Evidence indicates Lebel consumed alcohol before taking the children on the joyride, a choice that proved fatal.
Police noticed Lebel appeared intoxicated.
According to court documents obtained by Alaska News Source, when troopers spoke with Lebel, she reportedly showed signs of impairment. Troopers reported noticing the smell of alcohol near the scene of the accident. They found six empty beer cans and several cases of alcoholic beverages near Lebel’s vehicle. She reportedly told police she’d consumed multiple alcoholic drinks before the crash, including three beers.
When explaining the accident, Lebel allegedly told troopers she’d been riding in and out of the water because the kids liked it. She was unsure how the vehicle overturned, but said the kids were all in seatbelts, not helmets.
Lebel’s account of the accident differed from that of the witnesses.
Alaska News Source reported a witness told police they heard a child tell Lebel during the ride that they were going too fast. When troopers investigated the scene, they reportedly found track marks indicating the ATV had traveled at a high rate of speed. They also found the seatbelts still buckled, indicating no one in the vehicle was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. Police ultimately found Lebel to be intoxicated at the time of the crash and responsible for the children’s injuries and her daughter’s death.
Family shared a fundraiser for Brielle’s father.
Jessica Rhoades created a GoFundMe for Jordan Rhoades, Brielle’s dad. The loving aunt hopes to help ease her brother’s financial burden as he unexpectedly says goodbye to his daughter.
“Brielle was the kind of child who left a mark on everyone she met. Her laugh was contagious, her wit was beyond her years, and her heart was big enough to make everyone feel like a friend. She was full of life, full of sass, and full of love. She brought joy into every room she entered,” a post on the fundraiser reads.
Jessica Rhoades shared a message of love for her brother. “As a father, Jordan loved Brielle fiercely. Now, he faces the unimaginable heartbreak of saying goodbye to his little girl far too soon. No parent should ever have to endure the pain of planning their child’s funeral while trying to navigate overwhelming grief. We are asking our community to come together to support Jordan during this devastating time,” it reads.
They’ve raised more than $18,000 thus far.
Lepel faces multiple charges.
Following the accident, emergency responders transported three children to Mat-Su for treatment at a hospital, according to the Alaska Department of Public Safety. Police arrested Lebel on criminally negligent homicide, manslaughter, assault, and driving under the influence.
READ NEXT: Parents Killed in Deadly ATV Accident That Also Injured 7 of Their 11 Children
