Stranded southwest Alaska woman dies off tundra trail

BETHEL, Alaska – A southwest Alaska woman died last week after her snowmobile overturned in bitter cold temperatures.

The body of Elizanna Anvil, 22, Nunapitchuk, was recovered about 2 miles (3.2 kilometres) off of a main tundra trail and 4 miles (6.4 kilometres) from where the snowmobile had been left on its side, Alaska State Troopers said.

Troopers spokesman Tim Despain in an email response to questions said Anvil and a travel partner at 4 p.m. Thursday left Nunapitchuk on one snowmobile for the 22-mile (35.4-kilometre) trip to Bethel.

They made it to Bethel, Despain said, but on the trip back, the snowmobile turned onto its side. The temperature was -8 (-22 Celsius) with windchill between -20 and -30 (-29 to -34.4 Celsius), Despain said.

At about midnight, the travel partner arrived at Nunapitchuk alone. Troopers contacted officials in Nunapitchuk and Kasigluk and requested a search for Anvil.

Bethel Search and Rescue found Anvil late Friday morning. Troopers suspect she died of exposure. An autopsy was ordered.