A late Sunday evening rafting trip on the Eagle River turned tragic for two brothers when their raft capsized as they rafted down the river, troopers reported on Monday.

Troopers were notified of the on-going search for the two brothers, aged 30 years and 14 years at 9:50 pm following a raft overturn at approximately 7 pm.

According to the report, the Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson Fire Department had responded to the scene and recovered the older brother from the river and transported him to an Anchorage hospital, where he was treated and later released.

The Rescue Coordination Center later responded to the scene and initiated a search for the 14-year-old. At 2:15 am Monday morning, he was located near the confluence of the Eagle River in Cook Inlet. He was recovered and also transported to an Anchorage Hospital, but was declared deceased at his arrival.

The next of kin for the two brothers, who’s identities were not divulged by troopers, were notified of the incident and the fatality.

Although no foul play is suspected, the investigation is continuing into the cause and details of the overturn.

Update:

The deceased male has been identified as Joseph Cantler age 14 of Pennsylvania. The surviving victim is Seth Cantler age 30 of JBER. Both individuals were wearing flotation devices.

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  accident, Alaska, brothers, deceased, eagle river, fatality, jber, rafting, rcc, rescue