Body of missing Fairbanks boy found in river

Alaska State Troopers say the body of a missing 4-year-old Fairbanks boy has been found inside a fish wheel in the Chena River.

Troopers said they were notified shortly after noon Tuesday that Owen Yoakum had left his home without his family noticing. Troopers say the family was worried the boy might have gone toward the river, which is close to the family’s home.

Family members and neighbors searched the area, along with troopers and other responders.

Troopers said the boy was found in the fish wheel and was taken to Fairbanks Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The body was taken to Anchorage for an autopsy by the state medical examiner’s office.

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