Carl Simmonds was found dead near an Anchorage intersection early Monday morning after a white Chevrolet Tahoe allegedly struck him and drove away. Now, 32-year-old Jack Sabàto, the son of actors Virginia Madsen and Antonio Sabàto Jr., is facing criminal charges in connection with the November 9 crash that claimed Simmonds’ life.
The deadly collision happened around 5:35 a.m. near the intersection of Airport Heights Drive and DeBarr Road in East Anchorage. Police and Anchorage Fire Department medics arrived around 5:48 a.m. after receiving a report of an unresponsive man. They found Simmonds, 42, near the roadway, where he was pronounced dead. Investigators later determined that he had been struck by a vehicle whose driver left the scene.
The crash quickly became a major investigation after officers discovered evidence that pointed to a white Chevrolet Tahoe. Surveillance footage obtained from the Blood Bank of Alaska reportedly showed the SUV striking Simmonds. According to charging documents, the vehicle did not appear to slow down either before or after the collision.
Investigators used the vehicle’s registration information to trace the Tahoe to Sabàto. Around 12:45 p.m., officers located the SUV at his workplace. They reportedly found fresh damage to its right front corner, which investigators said was consistent with striking a pedestrian. Police obtained a warrant and seized the vehicle for further examination.
About two hours later, Sabàto contacted police. He reportedly said he had struck an animal with his Tahoe and wanted to speak with investigators. During questioning, he explained that he had been driving home after making late-night DoorDash deliveries when he turned onto a road near Alaska Regional Hospital. He said something suddenly appeared in front of him and that his headlights went out following the impact.
According to the charging documents, Sabàto acknowledged knowing that he had hit something. However, he reportedly told investigators he did not stop to check because he was afraid he did not have insurance. He also said he had planned to report the incident after finishing work. He eventually contacted police after learning that officers had seized his vehicle.
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. He also faces an additional $5,000 penalty if he fails to appear at future court hearings.
The collision marked the ninth pedestrian death involving a vehicle in Anchorage this year. The number adds to growing concerns about pedestrian safety on streets across Alaska’s largest city. For Simmonds’ family, however, the immediate loss is much more personal. A man who was alive before sunrise on Monday did not make it home.
The case has also drawn attention because of Sabàto’s family background. His mother, Virginia Madsen, is known for her performances in films including “Candyman,” “Sideways” and “A Prairie Home Companion.” His father, Antonio Sabàto Jr., appeared on the television soap opera “General Hospital.” Madsen’s late brother, Michael Madsen, was also a well-known actor whose credits included “Reservoir Dogs” and “Kill Bill: Volume 2.”
Sabàto has not been convicted, and the charges against him remain allegations to be decided in court.
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