Carl Simmonds Obituary Death, Man Killed in Anchorage Hit-and-Run; Jack Sabàto Charged After Pedestrian Crash
A fatal hit-and-run in East Anchorage, Alaska, has claimed the life of 42-year-old Carl Simmonds. The case has drawn attention after authorities charged a driver accused of leaving the scene following the pedestrian collision.
Fatal Pedestrian Collision in East Anchorage
The collision happened early Monday, November 9, near the intersection of DeBarr Road and Airport Heights Drive. Police received the report at approximately 5:48 a.m. and responded alongside Anchorage Fire Department medics.
When emergency personnel arrived, they found Simmonds on the sidewalk along Airport Heights Drive. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators recovered vehicle parts near the location and began examining evidence to identify the vehicle responsible. The initial investigation indicated that the driver had left without stopping to assist the victim.
Security Footage Helps Identify the Suspect
According to charging documents, investigators reviewed surveillance footage from a nearby Blood Bank of Alaska. The footage allegedly showed a white Chevrolet Tahoe striking Simmonds without visibly braking before or after the impact.
Police subsequently used the vehicle description to identify an SUV registered to Sabato. Officers located the vehicle at the Anchorage Amazon Warehouse, where investigators obtained a warrant to seize it. The SUV reportedly had evidence consistent with the collision.
Authorities were informed that Sabato was out on a delivery route when officers initially located the vehicle.
What Jack Sabato Allegedly Told Police
Charging documents state that Sabato later contacted police, initially reporting that he had struck an animal.
During conversations with investigators, he reportedly explained that he had been making DoorDash deliveries and was driving home when something suddenly appeared in the roadway near Alaska Regional Hospital.
He allegedly told officers that the impact damaged his headlight and that he did not stop because he was frightened about driving without insurance. According to the charging documents, he said he had hoped for the best and intended to report the incident after finishing work.
He reportedly contacted police again after learning that his vehicle had been seized.
These statements form part of the allegations outlined in the charging documents and have not, by themselves, established guilt.
Arrest and Criminal Charges
Sabato, 32, was arrested Monday night and taken to the Anchorage Correctional Complex, where he remained in custody at the time of the November 10 report.
He faces a felony charge of leaving the scene of an accident without helping the injured and a misdemeanor charge of leaving the scene of a fatal accident.
The charges concern the alleged failure to remain at the collision scene and provide assistance. Sabato is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Remembering Carl Simmonds
Simmonds’ death adds to concerns about pedestrian safety across Anchorage. Police identified him as the ninth pedestrian killed in a vehicle collision in the city during 2026.
The tragedy has brought renewed attention to the dangers pedestrians face on busy roads, particularly during early morning hours when visibility and traffic conditions can create additional risks.
As the investigation and court proceedings continue, further information may clarify the circumstances of the collision and provide answers for those affected by Simmonds’ death.