Alaska News

Troopers: No evidence of a third party in deaths of Emmonak couple

Alaska State Troopers have identified the Western Alaska couple who were found dead in their home early Thursday morning as Louis Kelley, 44, and Mary Aketchunak, 38, both of Emmonak.

Troopers found no evidence of third-party involvement in their deaths, but do suspect alcohol to have been a factor, the agency said. Troopers were first notified of the couple's death around 2 a.m. Thursday morning.

Described as a longtime couple by Emmonak Mayor Wilbur Hootch, the couple's home was shared by others. The village of Emmonak is home to about 760 people and sits at the mouth of the Yukon River in Western Alaska, about 120 miles northwest of Bethel.

Their bodies have been sent to the State Medical Examiner's Officer for an autopsy, as the investigation continues.

Megan Edge

Megan Edge is a former reporter for Alaska Dispatch and Alaska Dispatch News.

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