Rural Alaska

Troopers: No foul play suspected in two Selawik deaths

Alaska State Troopers said Wednesday that foul play does not appear to be a factor in two unrelated deaths in the Northwest Alaska village of Selawik.

Troopers spokeswoman Megan Peters said they had received a report regarding the deaths in Selawik -- a community of about 875 people, roughly 90 miles east of Kotzebue -- that merited additional investigation.

"There were reports of two deaths, so we are sending in a trooper from Kotzebue to investigate it," Peters said Wednesday morning.

Peters later confirmed that two people had died in the community, but said the deaths "do not appear to be related."

"Our trooper is still in Selawik investigating," Peters said in an email. "At this time no foul play is suspected."

The identities of the deceased had not been released Wednesday afternoon, pending next of kin notifications.

A call to Selawik police wasn't answered Wednesday.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

Chris Klint

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

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