Alaska News

Motorcyclist died on Seward Highway after pursuit and collision with trooper

Alaska State Troopers say the motorcyclist who died in a crash on the Seward Highway Friday evening was pursued and later hit by a trooper's patrol car at the time of his death.

The motorcyclist was identified as 58-year-old Anchorage resident Michael J. Kemper.

The pursuit began at about 7:07 p.m. when a trooper, identified Saturday afternoon as Jeffrey F. Simpson, saw a Yamaha motorcycle speeding in the safety corridor at Mile 93 of the highway, troopers said in an online dispatch.

Kemper did not yield to the trooper and instead rode on the shoulder of the highway between the guardrail and other southbound traffic, troopers said. Near Mile 91.5, a Chevrolet Suburban driven by 33-year-old Anchorage resident Michael P. Michelsohn pulled over to let the trooper pass and Kemper ran into the back of Michelsohn's SUV. Kemper was thrown from his motorcycle and into the path of Simpson's patrol car, troopers said. The trooper then collided with the motorcycle and its rider.

Troopers spokesperson Beth Ipsen said the motorcyclist was on the shoulder and then was thrown into the path of the trooper in the southbound lane.

Kemper, who was wearing a helmet, was pronounced dead at the scene. The State Medical Examiner's Office is conducting an autopsy.

The highway reopened at about 1 a.m. Saturday.

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Simpson has been with the troopers for nearly 13 years, according to an email update provided by Ipsen. He has been assigned to the Bureau of Highway Patrol in Girdwood since 2011.

Anyone who saw the collision and hasn't been interviewed by troopers is asked to contact Sgt. Andrew Gorn at 907-373-8300.

Zaz Hollander

Zaz Hollander is a veteran journalist based in the Mat-Su and is currently an ADN local news editor and reporter. She covers breaking news, the Mat-Su region, aviation and general assignments. Contact her at zhollander@adn.com.

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