State Troopers Conducted Two Search and Rescues Over the Weekend

Alaska State Troopers participated in two search and rescue missions within the last week which had very different outcomes.  Last Friday, Troopers responded to a report of an injured hunter in the Red Mountain area.  According to the Troopers, Manuel Rechy of Laredo, Texas, was hunting approximately forty-eight miles east of the Parks Highway when he was caught in a rockslide.  Troopers and the Rescue Coordination Center flew to the scene, and the RCC transported Rechy to Fairbanks Memorial Hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival.  Troopers believe his death was accidental.

On Sunday, eight hikers were reported overdue near Craigie Creek in Hatchers Pass.  Troopers searched for the group by air, but were unable to locate them.  Two of the hikers managed to walk out to Willow Fishhook Road and told State Troopers that the other six people in their party were on a ridge two-and-a-half miles from the trailhead.  The rest of the group managed to hike out.  Two of the hikers had minor injuries, but declined medical attention.