A Routine Fishing Trip Turns Tragic

In early October 2023, 25-year-old Kelly Coopchiak from Togiak, Alaska, embarked on a customary fishing expedition with her uncle near Suzie Creek on the Nushagak River. The serene waters and familiar surroundings offered no hint of the impending tragedy. After spending time together, Kelly decided to navigate her uncle's black Lund skiff alone, a decision that would mark her last known whereabouts.

Discovery of the Abandoned Skiff

On October 7, 2023, a Village Public Safety Officer in Koliganek reported finding a swamped boat near Lewis Point on the Nushagak River. The vessel, devoid of registration numbers and any occupants, raised immediate concerns. Initial efforts to identify the boat's owner proved challenging due to the lack of identifying markers. ...Read More