It was on Tuesday night at approximately 11:30 pm that Alaska State Troopers were notified that an unidentified body had been found in the arctic entryway of the Prebyterian Church in Kake.

Two investigators from the Alaska Bureau of Investigations, troopers and crime scene investigator went to the small southeast community of 600 on Wednesday to investigate the death of athe young girl now identified as 13-year-old Mackenzie Howard.

The investigation by the crime team has ruled out the possibility that the girl accidently or intentionally killed herself according to reports. Information is sketchy at this time as investigators are not releasing much information as the investigation is on-going and there are many people that have yet to be interviewed.

The girl was attending a memorial function at the church at the time of, or prior to her death. Many other people had gathered at the church from the community, as well as outlying areas, but had left the building earlier that evening according to sources. A memorial for Sealaska board member Clarence Jackson was being held at the church.

Many of the attendees have also left the community as well. This has slowed the investigation as those individuals need to be tracked down and interviewed. Investigators are looking into the possiblilty that the killer may have already left the community. The only way in and out of Kake is by plane or boat.

Until the autopsy reports are released, investigators only have theories as to the exact cause of death. After the autopsy, which is taking place in Anchorage, investigators will have a better idea if foul play was involved.

No suspects have been identied as yet and no arrests have been made.

As a precaution, the Kake School superintendent, Kevin Shipley closed school on Wednesday. School has since been re-opened with student back to class on Thursday.

A Counselor from the Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium was on hand as they had been in attendance at the memorial taking place in the community and more counselors were flew in from Sitka to work with students and school employees. Counseling took place on Wednesday evening at the community center in Kake.

Candlelight vigils are being held in Kake, Juneau, across the state and even the country for the little girl described as a bright, Grade A student and an avid lover of basketball. The vigil begins at 6 pm Friday evening.