Prev
Incident
Officer James Hesterberg was killed in a traffic collision while he and his partner were transporting seven prisoners to Spring Creek Correctional Center at 12:30 pm during snow and rainy weather.
The vehicle was struck head-on by a tractor-trailer on the slush-covered Seward Highway about 20 miles north of Seward. The impact caused the Ford van to go over a guard rail, and it landed on its roof. Officer Hesterberg, who was driving the van, and four inmates died at the scene. His partner and the three remaining inmates were transported to area hospitals.
Officer Hesterberg had served with the Alaska Department of Corrections for 19 years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and three children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtnk7ks2kzapsj50rf52z- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew James. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Correctional Officer Hesterberg gave the Alaska Department of Corrections 19 years.
Thank you for your service to the people of Alaska. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Correctional Officer Hesterberg.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
James is the only officer of Alaska Department of Corrections remembered here.
James is one of 14 officers lost to accidents in AK, 28% of the 50 remembered there.
James is one of 8,276 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
James is one of 10,096 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2002, 1 officer in AK was lost to accidents, the 4th heaviest of 10 years on record. The heaviest was 1964, with 3.
In 2002, 73 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 38th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 2002, 91 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 35th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
James was 48. Of the 14 lost to accidents in AK whose age is recorded, half were between 28.3 and 46.3; the middle age was 37. James had served 19 years; the middle length of service was 10 years.
James was 48. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36. James had served 19 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 48. Of the 9,452 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. James had served 19 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
November holds 7.1% of these deaths in AK; October holds the most, 28.6%. Tuesdays: 35.7%.
November holds 8.3% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 14.1%.
November holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Tuesdays: 14%.
How
Accident deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Alaska Department of Corrections.
Accident deaths account for 28% of all 50 deaths in AK, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 19-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Alaska Department of Corrections are honored on badge.nw.