Former Alaska lawmaker Glenn Hackney dies from injuries after Fairbanks car crash

Glenn Hackney, a former state lawmaker from Fairbanks known for his dedication to community service, died Friday after suffering serious injuries in a vehicle collision earlier this week. He was 97.

Alaska State Troopers confirmed Hackney’s death, identifying him as the driver of a pickup that collided with another vehicle Wednesday afternoon in Fairbanks.

Both Hackney and the other driver were taken to the hospital Wednesday after the crash, according to troopers.

Hackney was pronounced dead Friday at the hospital, troopers said. They continue to investigate the circumstances of the collision, and said no charges or arrests had been made yet.

Hackney served as a representative in the Alaska House from 1973 to 1976, and served in the Alaska Senate from 1977 to 1980.

His devotion to community service included decades as a volunteer at the Fairbanks Community Food Bank. Hackney was also a longtime booster of community cleanup efforts and could often be seen around town in his yellow truck picking up litter.

His death elicited an outpouring of remembrances from Fairbanksans, elected officials and others who described his passion for the community, optimism and love for his wife, Esther, who preceded him in death 10 years ago.

“Glenn inspired people of all ages to get involved in their community and taught us all that if you see a need, you should do something good,” U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan said on Facebook.

State Sen. Scott Kawasaki, who represents Fairbanks, called Hackney “a true servant leader. He worked tirelessly to help those around him and helped the community to thrive.”

The Fairbanks Community Food Bank on Friday shared a poem in his honor, which read in part: “You have made this place / A much better space. / Thank you dear friend / Whom we love even to the end.”