On Tuesday at 11 PM, the Alaska State troopers in Dillingham were asked to take over an investigation into what had become a fatal boating collision by State Park officers, who were initially investigating the incident.

Alaska State troopers responded to Aleknagik and conducted an investigation into the accident. Their investigation revealed that on Tuesday at approximately 5:30 PM, two boats collided near the boat launch area on Aleknagik Lake.

Troopers determined that 61-year-old Hawaiian resident David Taylor was operating his 22-foot Woldridge boat between the narrows of the north and south shores of the village of Aleknagik when 41-year-old Aleknagnik resident John Tugatuk Sr., was leaving the boat launch and about to cross to the North Shore.

Tugatuk had his back to Taylor’s boat as he was operating his outboard engine. The two boats collided when the bow of Tugatuk’s boat hit Taylors craft.

Tugatuk was taken to the local hospital. He later succumbed to his injuries sustained in the collision.

Next of kin were notified of Tugatuk’s passing.