On Tuesday, July 24th, the Kwethluk Village Public Safety Officers notified the Bethel-based Alaska State Troopers of a Search and Rescue taking place between Bethel and Kwethluk.

The trooper investigation into the missing person’s search revealed that 24-year-old George Maxie was traveling from Bethel to Kwethluk on Tuesday with his girlfriend. The community of Kwethluk is 12 miles upriver from Bethel.

Although reports do not explain why the two boaters, on their way upriver from Bethel, ended up partially swamped in the Napaskiak Slough, seven miles downstream from Bethel, that is where the boat ended up after Maxie ran out of gas according to the girlfriend.

A passerby picked up the girlfriend and transported her to Kwethluk, where she reported Maxie missing.

George Maxie was found on Wednesday, drowned in the Napaskiak Slough.

According to the trooper report, alcohol is believed to be a factor in the incident.

Maxie’s remains were transported to the State Medical Examiner’s office for autopsy.

Next of kin were notified of Maxie’s death and the investigation into the incident continues.