Searchers find body of overdue Ketchikan hunter

The body of Ketchikan man who was overdue from a hunting trip was found Sunday morning in the water north of Bold Island in Southeastern Alaska.

John Wallace, 30, was reported overdue Saturday night from a hunting trip near the island.

The U.S. Coast Guard launched a search shortly after receiving the report.

The Coast Guard deployed a 45-foot response boat crew from Station Ketchikan and a helicopter crew from Air Station Sitka, Coast Guard Petty Officer Bill Colclough said.

Wallace’s overturned skiff was located near Bold Island, but they were unable to locate Wallace after an extensive search of the shoreline.

The search was suspended at 1:30 Sunday morning, and resumed at daylight.

Ketchikan Volunteer Rescue Squad was contacted by Alaska State Troopers at about 2 a.m. Sunday to assist in the search, said rescue squad member Jerry Kiffer.

“We stood up our command center in Ward Cove and at daylight we dispatched a rescue boat down to the area,” he said. “The intent was to start where the person was supposed to go and start doing shoreline searches in a northerly direction.”

Ketchikan Volunteer Rescue Squad found Wallace’s body at about 9 a.m. Sunday in the water north of Bold Island. He was not wearing a life jacket.

Next of kin and the State Medical Examiners Office were notified.

Alaska State Troopers are in charge of the investigation.

No foul play is suspected.

KRBD - Ketchikan

KRBD is our partner station in Ketchikan. KTOO collaborates with partners across the state to cover important news and to share stories with our audiences.

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