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FAIRBANKS, Alaska — A U.S. soldier from Provo died after he was hit by a woman who is suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol Monday night, according to the Fairbanks Police Department.
Pfc. Arturo Alejandro Gomez, 29, was working as a gate guard at Fort Wainwright in Alaska when a car sped through an intersection, "driving through ditches and over medians. (The vehicle) struck two vehicles and a traffic control sign before driving toward a construction area near the (Fort Wainwright) visitors center."
Police said the driver drove through a portion of the fence and struck Gomez.
Police reported they received calls about 5:10 p.m. from multiple witnesses who said three vehicles were involved in a collision, and that the suspect vehicle was stopped at the Fort Wainwright main gate.
When the first officer arrived, "several military personnel had their rifles pointed at a Toyota 4-Runner that had significant damage." The vehicle was stopped, with the driver's side against a jersey barrier.
Behind the 4-Runner was Gomez, on the ground, who was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the release.
Police said the driver, identified as Brianna Lapp, had a blood-alcohol content "over three and a half times the legal limit."
Lapp was arrested for investigation of DUI and manslaughter. Police said they are not aware of any affiliation Lapp had with Fort Wainwright.
"The death of this soldier was senseless and preventable," Fairbanks Police Chief Ron Dupee said. "I find it incredibly tragic that this young man, who joined the military service, was senselessly run down right here in the country that he signed up to protect. His life was taken away and this deeply impacts the entire Ft. Wainwright and Fairbanks community."
Gomez joined the Army in July 2023. He trained at Fort Moore, Georgia, before reporting to Alaska in February. He was an infantryman assigned to the 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, and the 11th Airborne Division.
