13-Foot Deep Trench Collapses, Kills Two In Delta Junction While Installing Septic System

Troopers Say Dirt Walls Buried Couple 

Location: Delta Junction

Type: SAR/Death

Dispatch Text:

On July 30, 2026, at 1:26 PM, Alaska State Troopers received a report of two individuals being buried while installing a septic system in Delta Junction. Troopers responded and the investigation revealed that Paul Hebert, age 68, and Jacquelyn Wilder, age 71, of Delta Junction, had been inside an approximately 13-foot-deep trench when the walls collapsed, burying both individuals. The bodies were recovered and declared deceased by EMS. The bodies are being sent to the State Medical Examiner's Office. Next of kin have been notified.

Posted on 7/31/2026 8:36:43 AM by DPS\jsdougherty