An Anchorage man who was found floating in the Kenai River on Monday has died in Anchorage despite lifesaving efforts.
Alaska Wildlife Troopers were notified shortly before 12:30 on Monday, July 22, that an adult male had been spotted floating in the Kenai River near the Bings Landing area. A response team of Alaska State Troopers, Alaska State Park Rangers, and Emergency Medical Services quickly responded to the area.
According to the Trooper dispatch on the incident, a preliminary investigation revealed that 18-year-old Anchorage resident Jacob Wasielewski was fishing with a group of friends on the opposite side of the river from Bings Landing. The group spotted Wasielewski floating down the river.
A nearby boat operating in the river approached and managed to pull him on board. Wasielewski was unresponsive, but those on the boat attempted to provide CPR.
No word yet has been provided on how Wasielewski ended up in the river or what led to his unresponsiveness.
Once first responders arrived on the scene, the individuals in the boat transported Wasielewski to them, and medical personnel continued lifesaving efforts.
Wasielewski was transported by helicopter to an Anchorage area medical center, where he died.
Next of kin have been notified, and his body was sent to the State Medical Examiner’s Office for autopsy.
An investigation into the incident is ongoing.