Joel Armstrong 2011-05-28
Teen dies while camping with friends along Knik River
By LISA DEMER, ldemer@adn.com, Published: May 29th, 2011
A 17-year-old who had been camping with friends at the Knik River near Palmer was
pronounced dead early Saturday at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center. Troopers identified
him as Joel Armstrong.
Troopers said Sunday they are investigating the death.
Friends told troopers when they awoke Saturday morning Armstrong was not breathing
so they brought him to the hospital. He was declared dead around 7 a.m., trooper
spokeswoman Megan Peters said.
Troopers say the group may have been drinking and they are looking into whether
alcohol was a factor in the death. They are awaiting autopsy results.