It was reported by trooper dispatch today that a Fairbanks resident had drowned while wading in the small lake at the gravel pit on Sunday afternoon.

The call went in to the Alaska State Troopers at 3 pm.

The man, 42-year-old Handy McKaney was wading in the gravel pit when he stepped off of an underwater ledge and plunged into the water.

It is reported that McKaney struggled briefly before going under, he did not come back up. He was not wearing a life preserver.

Fort Wainwright divers and the Fairbanks Fire Deprtment responded to the scene. Divers located McKaney at 4:11 pm McKaney was pronounced deceased at 4:37 pm.

Next of kin has been notified.