Troopers recover body of man who died in creek near Cantwell

CANTWELL, Alaska (AP) - The body of an Anchorage man who died in an interior Alaska creek has been recovered.

Alaska State Troopers say the body of 55-year-old Walter Maillelle (may-LEL) was recovered Thursday from Brushkana Creek near Cantwell.

Maillelle on Monday was driving an all-terrain vehicle and a witness saw him fall into the creek.

The witness called troopers from the Denali Highway.

Emergency responders spotted the body of Maillelle about 30 miles from Cantwell but could not reach it. When a boat arrived, the body had moved.

High water hampered search efforts Tuesday.

A trooper helicopter spotted the Maillelle’s body at about 1 p.m. Thursday.

The state medical examiner will conduct an autopsy.