October 1, 1990 - ATVing Fatality at Nizina River
On October 7, T.S., 74, a long-time big game guide was found dead near the confluence of the Nizina and Kennicott Rivers. T.S. reportedly left his Spruce Point residence in an isolated portion of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park/Preserve on an ATV (4-wheeler) on October 1. His intention was to travel down the Nizina River approximately 16 miles and then travel up the Kennicott River another 7 miles to the terminus of the McCarthy Road. T.S. apparently intended to travel on gravel bars and to cross braided river channels with his pontoon "float" equipped four-wheeler. T.S.'s body was found by a local resident, G.G., who was concerned that T.S. had not arrived and began searching by airplane. The Alaska State Troopers recovered the body, it is not clear whether T.S. died from hypothermia, heart attack or another medical problem.