Larry Chase, 10/16/04

Boating, drown

Alaska Digest (Published: October 22, 2004)

WESTERN ALASKA

Missing boater from Napaskiak found dead by volunteer searchers

The body of a man who disappeared while boating over the weekend near the Oscarville slough in Napaskiak has been found and released to his family, Alaska State Troopers said.

Searchers had been looking for Larry Chase, 48, of Napaskiak since Tuesday night, when his brother reported to authorities that Chase's boat had been found empty near the slough. Troopers said that alcohol is considered a factor in Chase's death and that he was not wearing a life jacket.

Bethel and Napaskiak Search and Rescue volunteers found Chase's body about 3:30 p.m. Tuesday. Troopers said the volunteers were instrumental in the search effort and commended them for their dedication and professionalism.

Napaskiak, a community of about 420 people, is on the east bank of the Kuskokwim River about seven miles southeast of Bethel.

-- Anchorage Daily News