Alaska News

Soldotna man’s body recovered from Interior river after ATV rollover

A Soldotna man was found dead in the Delta River in Interior Alaska after his all-terrain vehicle rolled over Wednesday, Alaska State Troopers said.

Word of the wreck involving 74-year-old Daniel Mahan reached troopers just before 3 p.m. Wednesday according to a dispatch.

Troopers, U.S. Army personnel and the Fort Greely and Rural Deltana fire departments responded but had to call the 11th Air Force's Rescue Coordination Center in Anchorage to request a helicopter capable of recovering Mahan's body from the river, which flows into the Tanana River near Big Delta.

"The channels of the river were too deep for ground units to reach the overturned Argo," troopers wrote. "RCC was contacted and dispatched a Blackhawk with the ability to deploy a basket. At approximately (5:30 p.m.) medics from the Blackhawk were able to reach Mahan and confirmed he was deceased."

Wednesday's response occurred as troopers were waiting for an opportunity to recover 55-year-old Walter Maillelle from Brushkana Creek following a Monday ATV wreck. A troopers helicopter was able to retrieve Maillelle's remains Thursday.

Mahan's next of kin have been notified of his death, troopers said.

Chris Klint

Chris Klint is a former ADN reporter who covered breaking news.

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