Former Denver forward Corey Carlson and his family were killed in a mid-air collision on Saturday afternoon near Trapper Creek in Alaska, according to an Anchorage Daily News article.
Carlson, 41, his wife, Hetty Barnett Carlson and their two young children, Ella, 5, and Adelaide “Addie,” 3, were all on board the Cessna 180 that was traveling to Lake Clark where Hetty’s family has a cabin.
Two floatplanes collided about 2:15 p.m. on Saturday near Amber Lake, about 12 miles southwest of Trapper Creek.
The second plane, a Cessna 206, experienced heavy damage to its floats, but was able to get to Anchorage and safely land at Stevens International Airport.
“The entire Pioneer hockey family is extremely saddened by the devastating news of the tragic loss of Corey and his family,” said DU head coach George Gwozdecky in a statement. “He was a very personable and fun loving young man who was well-liked by his teammates and staff. Although a back injury precluded Corey from playing his senior year at DU, he continued to be a part of the team while working as a student assistant coach on our staff. He was extremely proud of his years at DU and following graduation, he continued to follow the hockey program closely. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Carlson and Barnett family.”
Carlson had lived in Alaska since he was five and after a standout career at Service High School, was among the first generation of Alaskans who left to play junior hockey. He landed a full scholarship at Denver, where he played in 105 games from 1989-1994, and earned a master’s degree in business before returning home to Alaska.
