It was reported to the Bristol Bay Police early Sunday afternoon that 48-year-old Karen Lopez Bakken had committed suicide at her home in Naknek. The report was made by her husband Einar Bakken.

Karen Lopez Bakken was the victim of a reported rape during the early morning hours of Monday, November 5th of this year.

It was the previous afternoon, Sunday, November 4th, that Bristol Bay Native DCorporation Board member Sergie Andrew Chuwak and two other people went tto the Bakken home to play the drinking game, beer pong, according to the statement given by Karen’s husband Einar.

Einar reported that he had passed out repeatedly through the night and had found Chukwak atop his wife, who was motionless underneath, when he awoke to go to bed. Einar pulled the man from his wife and chased him from the house. Karen reported that she had no recollection of the event.

Sexual Assault III Charges were filed against Chukwak the end of that week. Chukwak was arrested and held on $5,000 bail. Bail was posted for Chukwak by Bristol Bay Assemblyman Eddie Clark.

The state of Alaska had intended to seek an indictment of Felony Rape in the case against Chukwak, but the death of the victim may complicate the state’s case.