KIPNUK, Alaska-A death investigation is underway in the village of Kipnuk. According to Alaska State trooper reports, at approximately midnight, just before the early morning hours of December 18th, the troopers received a call from the Tribal officer in Kipnuk, reporting that the bodies of two individuals had been found at their residence.

Relatives had gone to the residence to do a welfare check. They found the two, as yet unidentified persons, deceased in their home. There was also an infant at the residence. The infant, according to reports is alive and being cared for by relatives.

Tribal Officer John, along with health aides from the community, were called to the residence. Once there, it was confirmed that there were two fatalities.

Very little information is coming out in the investigation as yet. Weather was a factor in delaying the arrival of Bethel-based troopers. Next of kin are in the process of being notified. The Alaska Native News does not know if the two deceased are related in any way with the surviving infant, or the names of those involved. Additional news will not be available until later today.

The community of Kipnuk is situated on the west bank of the Kugkaktlik River about 85 air miles to the southwest of Bethel and lies about four miles in from the coast of the Bering Sea. The community has a population of about 640 people.