Pedestrian Fatality on Old Seward Highway in Anchorage

Third pedestrian death in Anchorage so far in 2026

Apr. 7, 2026 at 2:26am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a shattered car side mirror reflecting a dim streetlight, conveying the gritty aftermath of a pedestrian collision without depicting any graphic violence.A recent wave of pedestrian fatalities in Anchorage has renewed calls for improved road safety measures.Anchorage Today

A 42-year-old man named Nicholas Smith was struck by a Chevrolet Express van and killed while walking on the Old Seward Highway in Anchorage on March 28. This is the third pedestrian fatality in the city so far in 2026, following two other incidents in February and March.

Why it matters

Pedestrian safety is an ongoing concern in Anchorage, which saw a record-tying 15 pedestrian deaths in 2025. These incidents raise questions about road design, driver awareness, and potential policy changes to improve safety for those traveling on foot.

The details

Police responded to the incident on the Old Seward Highway between Tudor Road and East 40th Avenue around 10:45 a.m. on March 28. The driver of the van remained at the scene and has cooperated with the investigation, but no charges have been filed yet.

  • The incident occurred on March 28, 2026 around 10:45 a.m.
  • Police were notified that Nicholas Smith died from his injuries on April 7, 2026

The players

Nicholas Smith

A 42-year-old pedestrian who was struck by a van and later died from his injuries.

Chevrolet Express van driver

The driver of the van that struck Nicholas Smith, who remained at the scene and has cooperated with the police investigation.

Anchorage Police Department

The local law enforcement agency investigating the incident.

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What’s next

Police have not announced any arrests or charges in this case, stating the driver has cooperated with the investigation. The incident remains under investigation.

The takeaway

This tragic pedestrian fatality is the third such incident in Anchorage so far in 2026, highlighting the ongoing challenges the city faces in improving road safety and preventing these types of preventable deaths.