Alaska News

Missing Anchorage snowmachiner found dead near Skwentna

An Anchorage snowmachiner reported missing Tuesday was found dead in the Deshka Landing area, a day after he left on a trip to his cabin.

Danny Maroney, 66, was headed for his cabin near Skwentna, about 70 miles northwest of Anchorage, when he left Deshka Landing early Monday, according to the Alaska State Troopers. He was expected to return Monday evening, and troopers were informed he was overdue at about 11:15 a.m. Tuesday.

Troopers' Helo-3 crew flew to the area from Anchorage to conduct a search. Roughly two hours after Maroney was reported missing, the crew spotted "a stationary snowmachine and rider" near the confluence of the Yentna and Susitna rivers.

"The person on the ground was confirmed deceased by AST and positively identified as Maroney," troopers wrote. "The body was recovered by Helo-3 and transported to Wasilla."

Troopers spokeswoman Megan Peters said investigators believed the snowmachine crashed but weren't sure how the wreck occurred pending an autopsy of Maroney's body by the State Medical Examiner Office.

Chris Klint

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

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