A 42-year-old man, identified as Carl Simmonds, was found dead near an Anchorage intersection early Monday morning, November 9, 2026, after being struck by a vehicle whose driver allegedly left the scene. Authorities have charged 32-year-old Jack Sabàto in connection with the fatal collision.
According to investigators, the crash occurred at approximately 5:35 a.m. near Airport Heights Drive and DeBarr Road in East Anchorage. Police officers and Anchorage Fire Department medics responded around 5:48 a.m. after receiving a report of an unresponsive man near the roadway. Simmonds was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators later identified a white Chevrolet Tahoe as the vehicle involved. Surveillance footage reportedly obtained from the Blood Bank of Alaska showed the SUV striking Simmonds. Charging documents state that the vehicle did not appear to slow down before or after the collision.
Using the vehicle’s registration information, investigators traced the Tahoe to Sabàto. Officers located it at his workplace at approximately 12:45 p.m. and reportedly observed fresh damage to its right front corner, which investigators said was consistent with a pedestrian collision. Police subsequently obtained a warrant and seized the SUV for further examination.
About two hours later, Sabàto contacted police and reportedly said he had struck an animal with his vehicle and wanted to speak with investigators.
During questioning, he explained that he had been driving home after making late-night DoorDash deliveries when something suddenly appeared in front of his Tahoe near Alaska Regional Hospital. He reportedly said his headlights went out following the impact.
According to charging documents, Sabàto acknowledged knowing that he had hit something but said he did not stop to investigate because he was concerned that he did not have insurance. He reportedly told investigators he had intended to report the incident after finishing work. He later contacted police after learning that officers had seized his vehicle.
Charges and Court Proceedings
Sabàto was arrested and booked into the Anchorage Correctional Complex. He faces a felony charge of leaving an accident scene without assisting an injured person and a misdemeanor charge related to leaving the scene of an accident involving injury or death.
He appeared in court on Tuesday, November 10. A judge set bail at $5,000 and ordered him not to drive. An additional $5,000 penalty was also set if he fails to appear at future court hearings.
The charges are allegations, and Sabàto is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
A Community Confronted With Another Pedestrian Death
The collision was reported as the ninth pedestrian death involving a vehicle in Anchorage during 2026, adding to concerns about pedestrian safety across the city.
For Simmonds’ family and loved ones, however, the statistics cannot capture the personal loss. A man who was alive before sunrise on Monday did not make it home, leaving those closest to him to face an unexpected and painful goodbye.
The case has also drawn public attention because of Sabàto’s family background. He is the son of actors Virginia Madsen and Antonio Sabàto Jr. Madsen is known for films including Candyman, Sideways, and A Prairie Home Companion, while Antonio Sabàto Jr. appeared on the television soap opera General Hospital. Madsen’s late brother, actor Michael Madsen, was known for films including Reservoir Dogs and Kill Bill: Volume 2.
As the investigation and court proceedings continue, condolences are with Carl Simmonds’ family, friends, and everyone affected by his death.
