Vernon Konukteak, 06-02-97

Anchorage Daily News
Wednesday, June 04, 1997

POLICE IDENTIFY SHIP CREEK DROWNING VICTIM
Anchorage police identified a man who apparently drowned in Ship Creek Monday as 44-year-old Vernon Konukteak.

Konukteak had waded about 500 feet to an island in Ship Creek with a group of people shortly before 6 p.m., police spokesman Ron McGee said.

Konukteak tried to wade back by himself and fell into the creek. Firefighters recovered the body about a half-hour later. Witnesses told police that Konukteak had been drinking alcohol throughout the day, McGee said.

An autopsy was performed Tuesday morning but results were not available. Konukteak had stayed frequently at the Brother Francis Shelter, McGee said.