Soldier killed by SUV at Fairbanks Army base gate

A soldier working at Fort Wainwright’s main gate was killed Monday afternoon after a woman struck him with her SUV, authorities say.

The soldier has not been identified. The woman, 31-year-old Brianna Raquel Lapp, was arrested for manslaughter and driving under the influence, according to a release from the Fairbanks Police Department. Police said they responded just after 5 p.m. to the incident.

Lapp, who is not affiliated with the base, struck two vehicles before hitting the soldier working as a guard at the gate, police spokeswoman Teal Soden said in an email Tuesday. “When our officer arrived at the scene, several military personnel had their rifles pointed at the defendant’s vehicle.”

The police officer told Lapp to get out of the vehicle and she was arrested, Soden said. The soldier was declared dead at the scene, she said.

The main gate, Gaffney Gate, remained closed due to the investigation overnight into Tuesday and was expected to open later in the day after damage was repaired, authorities said. Montgomery and Trainor gates were open for entry and exit, they said. Visitor passes can be obtained at Montgomery gate.

Police expressed condolences to the soldier’s family and colleagues and friends on base “impacted by this senseless tragedy.” They asked anyone with information about the incident to email investigations@fairbanks.us or call 907-450-6500.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.