Sterling woman charged in motorcyclist death

A Sterling woman has been charged with manslaughter in the death of a motorcyclist killed at a Sterling intersection Thursday night.

Aprile D. Cresap, 53, was allegedly driving a Chevrolet pickup on Joyful Circle at approximately 5 p.m. when she cut a corner onto Sandlin Drive and collided with an oncoming motorcyclist, according to an Alaska State Troopers affidavit filed with the court.

Cresap told troopers that both she and the motorcyclist — 60-year-old Michael Corteg— had swerved left and hit each other, according to the affidavit. Troopers reported that Corteg’s motorcycle hit the front right bumper of truck. Corteg, who veered into the woods, was pronounced dead at the scene at approximately 5:30 p.m.

ADVERTISEMENT
0 seconds of 0 secondsVolume 0%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
00:00
00:00
00:00
 

Cresap reportedly told troopers she was traveling at about 20 miles per hour at the time of the accident and that she had had two shots of vodka and cranberry juice after work at about 2 p.m., according to the affidavit. Troopers noted in the affidavit that Cresap was unable to perform several tasks administered as part of field sobriety tests.

A preliminary breath test taken at the scene showed Cresap had a .106 percent breath alcohol content. A breath test taken at approximately 7:20 p.m. showed breath alcohol content at .061 percent.

Cresap was charged Friday with one count of manslaughter, a class A felony; and one count of operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, a class A misdemeanor. She was arraigned Friday. Bail was set at $50,000 cash performance bond.

Reach Erin Thompson at ethompson@peninsulaclarion.com.

More in News

Volunteers repair the trails at Erik Hansen Scout Park in Kenai, Alaska, on Wednesday, June 25, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Volunteers revitalize Kenai scout park

Kenai’s Erik Hansen Scout Park overlooks the mouth of the Kenai River in Old Town.

Traffic passes by South Spruce Street in Kenai, Alaska, on Tuesday, June 10, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Planning commission withholds support for Spruce Street name change

A city council proposal would change the name to Kenai Beach Street.

Council member Jordan Chilson speaks during a Soldotna City Council work session on the Soldotna Field House in Soldotna, Alaska, on Wednesday, April 9, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Soldotna council rejects effort to change meeting times

A resolution calling for meetings to bumped up from 6 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Swimmers and parents protest the proposed closure of Kenai Peninsula Borough School District pools outside of the Kenai Peninsula Borough Administration Building in Soldotna, Alaska, on Thursday, June 26, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Pool funding OK’d as district looks to hand off facilities to communities

School pools have repeatedly been raised as a possible option for closure and then saved at the last minute.

The Cowles Council Chambers are seen in Homer City Hall on Pioneer Avenue in April 2025 in Homer, Alaska. (Homer News file photo)
Homer mayor recognizes Parks and Recreation Month, ADA Awareness Day

Parks and recreation areas are fundamental to the environmental well-being of the community, the proclamation said.

Seal pup PV2511 poses for a photograph on June 14, 2025 at the Alaska Sealife Center in Seward, Alaska. She was rescued by the site of a "popular fishing spot" in Homer on June 12, 2025. (Photo courtesy of ASLC)
SeaLife Center urges public to leave seal pups alone, after a recent uptick in admits

If you see a hurt or disabled pup, call the Stranded Marine Animal Hotline at 1-888-774-SEAL (7325).

Aspen Creek Senior Living residents, dressed as the Statue of Liberty and Uncle Sam, roll down the Kenai Spur Highway in Kenai, Alaska, during the Fourth of July Parade on Thursday, July 4, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Kenai to celebrate Independence Day with annual parade

The Kenai Fourth of July parade is set to start at 11 a.m. on Trading Bay Road.

Most Read