Body of Bethel man missing since September found

BETHEL, Alaska (KTUU) – Bethel police have confirmed that the body of a Bethel man missing since September has been found and recovered.

Bethel Chief of Police Leonard Hicks confirmed to Alaska’s News Source Monday morning that 33-year-old Valdamire Kinegak, who was reported missing Sept. 22, was found over the weekend by a bystander at the Browns Slough bridge in town.

Chief Hicks said no foul play is currently suspected, although said that could change pending new developments in the investigation by the police department.

Kinegak’s body was found near the water in Browns Slough, Hicks said, at approximately 6 p.m. Saturday.

Hicks said the person who made the discovery notified officers with the department, who were able to use an ID card in a wallet on the body to positively identify Kinegak.

Hicks said Kinegak’s body would be transferred to the State Medical Examiner’s office in Anchorage on Monday.

Bethel police had been searching for Kinegak with assistance from members of Bethel Search and Rescue since he was reported missing, according to Hicks, but did not post a public notice on the search until Oct. 14, over three weeks after he was last seen.

This is a developing story. Check back for more updates.

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