Aug. 23 A hunter reported missing in Wrangell–St. Elias National Park Preserve last week was discovered dead Saturday, park officials claim.
According to a statement by the national park, David White, 40 of North Pole, had last sent an InReach text on Thursday, August 12, stating that he was crossing Jacksina Creek in northern part of the park to reach a hunting spot across the valley.
White entered the park to hunt sheep on Aug. 6, according to Carrie Wittmer, park spokeswoman. She said that he had resupplied and resumed hunting on August 11. Wittmer stated that White had hunted within the park in previous years.
Wittmer stated that White informed park officials on Monday, August 16, that he had stopped communicating with them. Wittmer stated that Rangers responded in a measured manner, flying over the area to search for any person in distress. She said that the search intensified after White failed to return by Thursday, which was the due date for him to complete his trip.
According to the statement, planes and helicopters belonging to the troopers and the park service searched the area. Ground teams walked the area while others packedrafted.
According to the park service, White was found dead by packrafters on Saturday alongside Jacksina Creek.
According to the statement, "Based on evidence discovered by searchers it appears that White tried to cross Jacksina Creek but was swept away in the current."
Wittmer stated that Jacksina Creek can be found near the Nabesna Road's end. It is located in backcountry areas without trails. She said that the conditions in the creek can vary depending on weather conditions and that water levels can fluctuate dramatically over a single day.
Wittmer stated, "This is a difficult environment, it's just really unforgiving. Rivers, especially." It's unpredictable, even if you are a pro in the backcountry.
In 2018, two backpackers were killed in Wrangell St. Elias National Park Preserve. They were believed to have been swept away crossing the Sanford River.
