Derek Lynd Sheldon 2010-10-23
ATV found in Kobuk River, man missing
The Associated Press, Published: October 26th, 2010
NOORVIK -- A 30-year-old Noorvik man is missing and Alaska State Troopers say his
all-terrain vehicle has been found submerged in the Kobuk River in northwest Alaska.
Derek Lynd Sheldon was reported missing Sunday on a trip from Kiana to Noorvik.
He had last been seen Saturday.
Search teams spotted tire tracks leading to open water three miles south of Kiana.
They found a floating plastic jug before spotting the ATV.
Troopers say recent snow on the river's thin ice is complicating search efforts.
Troopers say Kiana recently voted to allow the distribution of alcohol and alcohol
is a suspected factor in the case.
Noorvik is a community of 628 in northwest Alaska about 45 miles east of Kotzebue.