Dean Kelila, 12/06/02

Teen missing since December found dead in Kuskokwim River

ADN 5/10/03

ANIAK

The body of a 16-year-old Aniak boy was found floating on the Kuskokwim River, 75 miles downriver from a slough where he was believed to have fallen through in December, Alaska State Troopers said Friday.

Dean Kelila's body was found late Tuesday night about 10 miles upriver from Tuluksak. Trooper George Kammer said a local resident, Fred Pavilla, was hunting for geese with his two sons when he spotted the body.

Troopers from Bethel and Tuluksak police recovered the body early Wednesday afternoon, Kammer said.

Kelila was last seen driving his four-wheeler on the Aniak Slough Dec. 6 during a warm spell that created open areas in the river.

Kammer said the teenager apparently drowned and was swept away by the fast moving river.

-- The Associated Press