Alaska state trooper from Napaskiak died from apparently self-inflicted injuries, officials say

This article was first published at KYUK.org and is republished here with permission.

BETHEL — Alaska state trooper Jerry Evan, 50, died Saturday in Bethel after sustaining life-threatening-injuries at his home. Investigators have concluded that his death was “non-criminal in nature.”

According to an update by troopers, Evan died from apparently self-inflicted injuries.

Evan was originally from the village of Napaskiak. Department of Public Safety Communications Director Megan Peters said Evan worked for more than two decades in law enforcement, most of it with the Alaska State Troopers.

“He was very ingrained in the communities he served. His death is an enormous loss,” she said.

Bethel Mayor Perry Barr, a former trooper, said he had talked to Evan last month about Evan’s plans for retirement, which would have begun later this year.

“I highly respected him,” Barr said. “He was a great man. He was a very humble person, and I offer to the family my condolences and my sorrow. Rest in peace, Mr. Trooper Evan.”

If you or one of your loved ones is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please call the Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255. You can also call the YKHC Behavioral Health Department’s Crisis Response Line at 907-543-6499 or toll-free at 1-844-543-6499.