On  7-27-12, at about 1200 hours, Alaska State Troopers in Bethel were notified that Operator, age 34 of Kwethluk was overdue from berry picking with his wife on the on the Eenayarak River, 25 miles up stream from the Kuskokwim river and north of Eek.  Operator was last observed operating a blue 18 ft. Lund boat, with a 60 HP Yamaha motor headed downstream after berry picking.  Alaska State Troopers launched aircraft and ground searchers started searching the area.  On 7-27-12, at about 2100 hours, Operator's boat was located on the Eenayarak River, approximately 12-13 miles up stream from the Kuskokwim River.  The boat was empty and had a fresh dent in the hull, the ignition was on and the transmission was engaged indicating the boat may have been under power and struck something.  Heavy rain and high winds hampered air and ground search teams that continued throughout 7-28-12 onto 7-29-12.  On 7-29-12, at approximately 1530 hours, searchers dragging the river near where Operator's boat was located found his body submerged in the river.  Alaska State Troopers responded to the scene where Operator's body was recovered.  The SME was contacted and Operator's body was being sent to Anchorage for an autopsy. The next of kin has been notified.  Alcohol was a contributing factor.   No foul play is suspected.
Eek                           