Southwest Alaska Man Dies After Snowmachine Plunges Into Frozen Lake

Authorities say the 45-year-old victim's body was recovered after he failed to arrive at his destination.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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A 45-year-old man from the village of Aleknagik in southwest Alaska died after his snowmachine plunged into open water on a frozen lake during a trip to the nearby village of Manokotak. Alaska State Troopers say the man's body was recovered after a search was launched when he failed to arrive at his destination on Friday.

Why it matters

Snowmachine travel is a vital mode of transportation in rural Alaska, especially during the winter months, but can also be hazardous when crossing frozen lakes and rivers. This tragic incident highlights the risks involved and the importance of safety precautions when traveling by snowmachine in remote areas.

The details

According to Alaska State Troopers, William Chythlook left his home village of Aleknagik to visit people in Manokotak, about 25 miles away. His snowmachine trail continued straight onto the frozen Aleknagik Lake until it reached an area of open water where the lake turns into the Wood River, and his snowmachine went into the water. Chythlook's body was found nearby, and no foul play is suspected.

  • On Friday, Chythlook failed to arrive in Manokotak as expected.
  • A search was launched on Saturday, and Chythlook's body was recovered.

The players

William Chythlook

A 45-year-old man from the village of Aleknagik in southwest Alaska.

Alaska State Troopers

The state law enforcement agency that investigated the incident.

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The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the importance of exercising extreme caution when traveling by snowmachine in remote Alaskan winters, and the need for continued safety education and awareness to prevent similar accidents in the future.