Boy, 4, is only survivor in boating accident that killed his father and grandmother

A grandmother and her son were found dead in the Kobuk River this week after they apparently drowned after a boating accident, troopers said.

Merna Sheldon, 54, and Albert Sheldon, 30, left Noorvik on Monday in a skiff, according to a troopers dispatch. With them was Albert's 4-year-old son, Jim.

When the Sheldons didn't return by Tuesday morning, a friend headed downriver to find them — but found only the child standing on a riverbank.

"Jim reported they were returning from berry picking when the skiff began to spin in a circle, causing Merna and Albert to fall out of the skiff," troopers wrote. "The skiff ran aground and Jim got out on the riverbank to await Merna and Albert, who did not get out of the river."

Locals from Noorvik, about 45 miles east of Kotzebue, joined troopers and Northwest Arctic Borough Search and Rescue volunteers to look for the adults. Albert Sheldon's body was recovered Tuesday evening, and Merna Sheldon's body was found Wednesday.

Troopers said neither was wearing a life jacket.