Authorities in Aniak are awaiting an autopsy determination on a Shageluk man who was discovered deceased in the bathroom of the Shageluk Washeteria on Tuesday.

Aniak-based troopers traveled to Shageluk after receiving a report of a deceased man in a locked bathroom at that establishment at about 11:35 am. Troopers were informed that city employees crow-barred the locked door open after being informed that the door was locked from the inside and the occupant was unresponsive.

Troopers arrived in the community at just before 2 pm on Tuesday, and began their investigation into the death of the Shageluk  man, they identified as 38-year-old Joseph Michael.

There investigation found that Michael, and another male, as well as a female had been drinking during the early morning hours of Tuesday,and had consumed approximately two bottles of R&R. They had finished drinking between 5-6 am. That was the last time that he was seen, it was reported.

Troopers say that Michael’s remains showed no outward signs of trauma.

Troopers contacted the State Medical Examiner’s office, and they in turn, requested the remains for autopsy. Michael’s body was transported to Aniak and then on to Anchorage.

Michael’s next of kin were notified of his death.

Troopers say they do not suspect foul play.

[smoothcategory catg_slug=”rural”]

  alcohol, death, deceased, joseph michael, shageluk, washeteria