Two workers dead after 13-foot trench collapses

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU/Gray News) - Two people died after the 13-foot-deep trench they were digging collapsed on them, officials said.

Alaska State Troopers identified the two people as Paul Hebert, 68, and Jacquelyn Wilder, 71.

At 1:26 p.m., troopers received a report of two individuals being buried while installing a septic system in Delta Junction. The Rural Deltana Volunteer Fire Department was also called to the scene.

Fire officials said the trench was being cleared for construction and had collapsed on workers.

“Once resources were gathered, boundary lines were created and crews got to work clearing loads of dirt in the way and creating a path to allow responders to enter without also becoming trapped,” the volunteer department posted. “Once heavy equipment was finished, responders used shovels to clear and gain access.”

Hebert was working as an independent contractor installing a septic tank at the time of the collapse. His wife, Lori Meek, says she would like her husband to be remembered for his deep devotion to his spiritual life and his lifelong passion for playing the guitar.

“His love for the music, he did that for years, many years. He was 68 years old when he died. And the first thing he would tell you was his faith,” Meek said. “Paul had a very strong faith in the Seventh-day Adventist Church membership.”