Troopers reported via trooper dispatch on Friday that a 16-year-old Grayling teen was reported missing in that community by the village’s tribal administrator. The administrator reported the teen, 16-year-old Gabriel Nicholi III, missing at 1:35 pm on Thursday.

A hasty search of the community as well as surrounding villages failed to turn up the whereabouts of 16-year-old Gabriel Nicholi III. Troopers responded and initiated an investigation into the disappearance of Nicholi. It was revealed to troopers that Nicholi had last been seen alive at between 2 and 4 am on Wednesday morning.

A search of the river was begun and a State aircraft with an Aniak-based trooper and VPSo traveled to the village to assist in the search.

At 2:45 pm on Thursday afternoon, searchers, while dragging the river, discovered Nicholi in front of a boat in about 10 foot of water.

Although there were no signs of foul play, the State Medical Examiner’s office in Anchorage are conducting an autopsy.

Next of kin were notified.[xyz-ihs snippet=”Adsense-responsive”]

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