Mat-Su

Toddler who went missing near Palmer dies after being pulled from creek

PALMER — A toddler who went missing from the Butte area Tuesday evening and was later found in a nearby creek has died, Alaska State Troopers say.

A family member reported the 17-month-old girl missing around 8 p.m. after she apparently wandered off from the Sullivan Avenue area, said Ken Marsh, a spokesman for the troopers.

Multiple agencies, along with neighbors and volunteers, searched the area. The girl was found 30 to 45 minutes later in Bodenburg Creek, Marsh said.

The child was transported to Mat-Su Regional Medical Center and was flown from there to Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage, Marsh said. She was pronounced dead early Wednesday morning, troopers said.

Troopers called the death “accidental.”

“There is no evidence of foul play involved,” troopers said in a public message Wednesday.

Zaz Hollander

Zaz Hollander is a veteran journalist based in the Mat-Su and is currently an ADN local news editor and reporter. She covers breaking news, the Mat-Su region, aviation and general assignments. Contact her at zhollander@adn.com.

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