Alaska News

Second man dies in Anchorage home for chronic alcoholics

A man died late Tuesday in his room at Karluk Manor, the second death in a month at the housing facility for homeless chronic alcoholics, according to Anchorage police.

Facility staff found Daniel Worthman, 46, dead in his room during a routine check before 11 p.m. Tuesday, said police spokesman Lt. Dave Parker.

Police do not know what the specific cause of death was. A medical examiner will make that determination, Parker said.

"There was nothing suspicious about the death," he said.

The 46-bed facility takes in homeless alcoholics and allows them to continue drinking alcohol. Worthman spent years on the streets of Anchorage and was well known by social services workers, said Melinda Freemon, spokeswoman for Rural CAP, the nonprofit that runs Karluk Manor.

Worthman moved in to Karluk Manor on Dec. 12, but Freemon said she had known him for about five years.

"We're glad that he was safely housed, and we feel a lot of loss that he passed away," Freemon said.

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Freemon said Karluk Manor's residents are some of the most vulnerable among Anchorage's homeless population, and many have serious medical issue related to years of drinking on the streets. It's not a surprise that people will die at Karluk Manor, she said.

"We try to provide them with the most compassionate living environment we can, but not everyone is going survive for years to come," Freemon said.

At least eight residents have decided to go sober since moving in, and many others are drinking less, Freemon said.

Freemon said she had no information about whether Worthman had been drinking Tuesday.

Karluk Manor first took in residents Dec. 8. On Jan. 1, staff found 54-year-old John Kort had died there. Police said Kort may have been drinking and taking prescription medication.

Reach Casey Grove at casey.grove@adn.com or 257-4589.

By CASEY GROVE

Anchorage Daily News

Casey Grove

Casey Grove is a former reporter for the Anchorage Daily News. He left the ADN in 2014.

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