Wasilla, AK : Teacher dead after KGB wreck on Knik-Goose Bay Road on Wednesday evening, July 6, 2016

A long-time Mat-Su borough teacher was reported dead following a one-car collision on Knik-Goose Bay Road Wednesday evening, authorities said.

Lora Mahoney, 49, of Wasilla, was traveling southbound on KGB Road when the vehicle she was driving crossed the centerline and the northbound lane of travel, then left the roadway and collided with a tree, according to Alaska State Troopers.

Mahoney was reported dead on-scene, according to troopers. A definitive cause of death has not yet been determined, according to spokeswoman Megan Peters.

Mahoney taught at various Mat-Su schools over the course of a 15-year career, including Cottonwood, Larson and Iditarod elementary schools and Birch Tree charter. Her most recent school was Goose Bay Elementary, said school system spokeswoman Catherine Esary.

“Our thoughts and prayers will be with her family, and she will be greatly missed,” Esary said.

Goose Bay principal Rourka Spatz remembered Mahoney as an authentic, warm person during a tearful phone interview.

“Our kids loved her, as did everybody who worked here,” she said. “Her classroom was always filled with peace. It was just so calm.”

Fellow employees were waiting for Mahoney’s surviving relatives to plan a memorial, Spatz said. The loss was painful and immediate, she said.

“I don’t know if I’m ready to talk about this yet,” she said.

Here’s what troopers wrote about the wreck:

On 7/6/16 at approximately 1513 hours, Alaska State Troopers responded to a single vehicle collision near mile 12 of Knik Goose Bay Road in Wasilla. On scene investigation revealed that Lora Mahoney (49) of Wasilla, was southbound on Knik Goose Bay Rd. when her vehicle crossed the centerline, drove across the opposing lane of travel, left the roadway, and collided with a tree. Mahoney was pronounced deceased on scene. The SME responded and took possession of the body. The next of kin have been notified. The investigation is continuing.

Source :
Teacher reported dead after KGB wreck