Snowmachiner feared dead in Susitna River accident

This past weekend was a bad one for snowmachiners and responders according to State Troopers.

A 51 year old man from Houston fell into the Susitna River on his snowmachine and is still missing and presumed drowned.

The accident occurred Saturday afternoon when it was reported that Scott  Douglas Aslakson was snowmachining along the river and went through the ice near Deshka Landing. Troopers and Mat Su Water Rescue responded.

State Troopers, Wildlife Troopers, Mat Su Water Rescue Team, and Alaska Bureau of Alcohol and Drug Enforcement were all involved in the search with a helicopter, snowmachines and Dive Team. Marvin “Pee Wee” Rankin, assistant Fire Chief in Willow, headed up the search.  He says the accident happened 3 miles downriver of Deshka Landing.  He called in Big Lake special response for more snowmachine assistance.  A total of 12 responders were on the ice searching.  Rankin said he finally called off the search at 6 pm.  He urges all snowmachiners to please stay on the trails as the weather warms and open leads develop under snow.

–In a separate incident, the Talkeetna Fire and Rescue responded to a report of a snowmachiner that had fallen in a creek late Friday night.  Captain Tim Morgan said they were paged out soon after midnight. The rescue was related to the Snowmachine Rodeo that took place on Petersville Road at the Forks Roadhouse. A snowmachiner had broken thru ice in a creek near the Roadhouse.  Medics on site determined further medical care was required even after they got the man warmed up.  The man was transported to Mat Su Regional.