On the morning of July 31, at approximately 8:10 a.m., the Alaska State Troopers were notified after an adult man was discovered deceased near the boat ramp off Scout Lake Loop in the Kenai River at Sterling.

Troopers responded to the scene and identified the man as 71-year-old John Tripple of Georgia.

According to the preliminary investigation, Tripple had planned to fish in the area before he was found in the river.

Investigators examined the scene and, at this stage of the investigation, have found no evidence to suggest that the death is suspicious or the result of foul play.

As is standard procedure, Tripple’s body has been transported to the State Medical Examiner’s Office, where an autopsy and further examination may be conducted to determine the official cause and manner of death.

His next of kin have been notified of his passing.