Alaska News

Remains of fisherman who disappeared in Chitina River found by hunters

The remains of a 63-year-old man who went missing on the Chitina River were found nearly a week ago by hunters, according to Alaska State Troopers.

According to troopers, on the morning of Sept. 27, a hunting guide reported finding the decomposed remains near the Copper River after the guide's client shot a bear about 25 miles downstream from Chitina, where Kermit Mellon had disappeared more than a month ago.

Mellon went missing Aug. 19 near Chitina after his boat capsized, troopers said. Mellon was reportedly swept downriver while he tended his fish wheel.

When the remains of Mellon were discovered, he was still wearing a life vest and waders.

At the time of Mellon's disappearance, Alaska State Troopers and Alaska Wildlife Troopers searched the area by boat and helicopter. The search was eventually suspended due to high waters, troopers wrote in an online dispatch Friday.

Mellon's body was taken to the State Medical Examiner Office, where it was positively identified.

Mellon's next of kin have been notified.

An earlier version of this story incorrectly said Mellon went missing on the Copper River. His body was found on the Copper River, but he went missing on the Chitina River.

Megan Edge

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

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