Alaska News

Police: Body discovered in Mendenhall Wetlands in Juneau

Two duck hunters in Juneau discovered the body of a man in the Mendenhall Wetlands area early Wednesday morning, according to the Juneau Police Department.

Police haven't identified the man, as he appears to have been out in the elements for several days, said Juneau police Lt. David Campbell.

The condition of the body prevented officers from determining exactly how the man died or many identifying features, police said, but he appears to be middle-aged. It does not appear that the man was killed, Campbell said.

"Even pinpointing a race is problematic at this point," Campbell said. Police have an idea of who the man may be but aren't ready to release that information, he said.

Police checked records for the past month and found no unaccounted-for missing persons in the area.

The wetlands are a well-used area with duck hunting grounds and a scenic viewpoint in the middle of Juneau. It's not uncommon for people who drown in the waters bordering the Southeast Alaska city to wash up in the area, Campbell said.

Wednesday was opening day for duck hunting, the lieutenant said. The two hunters walked to the edge of Gastineau Channel and spotted the body, Campbell said.

The body has been flown to the State Medical Examiner's Office for positive identification and to determine cause of death. Juneau police are asking anyone who has information about the man's identity to contact JPD.

Jerzy Shedlock

Jerzy Shedlock is a former reporter for Alaska Dispatch News. He left the ADN in 2017.

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