Pa Le Her, a beloved mother of three and a dedicated nurse, was remembered by friends and colleagues as a "super nurse" who was a delight to be around and committed to helping everyone she could. The 30-year-old woman from Wasilla, Alaska, was known for her vibrant personality and deep love for her children. She was an accomplished individual, having graduated from the University of Alaska Anchorage in the spring of 2018.
During her time at the university, she distinguished herself through her significant contributions to the campus and the broader Anchorage community, earning her a prestigious Leadership Honor upon graduation. Her life, full of promise and marked by her caring nature, was tragically ended in a violent public shooting that sent shockwaves through the Mat-Su Valley.
The afternoon of Monday, September 28, 2026, was peaceful at Reflections Lake, a popular recreational area located off the Glenn Highway near Palmer, known for its scenic beauty and frequented by local families. At approximately 4:50 p.m., the tranquility was shattered when 911 dispatchers began receiving calls reporting a disturbance involving a man, a woman, and a firearm. Multiple witnesses at the lake, which an Alaska State Troopers spokesperson noted was a very popular place, especially in the fall, saw an argument between Pa Le Her and her husband, 36-year-old Chang Thao.
The argument escalated with horrific speed. According to the subsequent investigation, Chang Thao fatally shot his wife, Pa Le Her. In the chaos, bullets also struck vehicles belonging to bystanders who were in the area. An official later confirmed that adults and likely children were present during the traumatic event. After shooting his wife, Thao turned the firearm on himself.
When Alaska State Troopers and officers from the Wasilla Police Department arrived at the scene, they found Pa Le Her deceased from her injuries. She was pronounced dead at the lake. Chang Thao was discovered with a life-threatening, self-inflicted gunshot wound. Emergency medical personnel transported him to a Mat-Su area hospital for treatment, but he succumbed to his injuries at about 9:20 p.m. that same night.
The Alaska Bureau of Investigation took lead responsibility for the case, processing the scene for evidence late into the evening. Troopers cleared the area by around 10 p.m. A spokesperson for the Alaska State Troopers emphasized that while homicides are a rare occurrence, this was not a random act of violence. The investigation concluded that it was a targeted attack, a murder-suicide stemming from a domestic dispute. The bodies of both Pa Le Her and Chang Thao were sent to the State Medical Examiner's Office for autopsies.
In the aftermath, those who knew Pa Le Her expressed their profound grief and heartbreak. On social media, she was remembered for her incredible dedication as a mother and her professional skill as a nurse. Some family members also spoke out, alleging that she had endured years of abuse from her husband leading up to the fatal encounter. The loss of her bright and caring presence left a deep void for her family, friends, and the community she served.
As of October 2026, the investigation into the death of Pa Le Her is considered closed. With the primary suspect, Chang Thao, having died by suicide on the same day, no charges will be filed. The case stands as a tragic reminder of the devastating consequences of domestic violence, leaving three young children without their mother and a community to mourn a life taken far too soon.
