Family mourns the loss of two loved ones to drowning this summer

FAIRBANKS, Alaska (KTUU) – The Fairbanks community is mourning its second death seen this summer, linked to drowning in the Chena River, according to Fairbanks Police Department. The most recent death, hapened on July 19th, after FPD reported witnesses saw a man, later identified as 42-year-old, Elia Ansaknok, jumping into the river.

“We would like to urge all residents to use caution and safe practices, such as using lifejackets, when recreating on or swimming in the Chena River,” FPD shared on its Facebook page.

Ansaknok’s body was later discovered on Friday, after a week of search efforts. His niece, Lauren Ansaknok, sharing with Alaska’s News Source on Saturday, that her uncle was the nicest and funniest person she had ever met.

“We didn’t expect this loss, it was really sudden,” said Lauren. “The unknown and the uncertainty, if we were ever going to find him and when we were going to find him, that took a toll.”

During the past week, Lauren said her family has received an outpouring of love and support from the Fairbanks community including strangers, she said, donating their time and boats in efforts to find her uncle. Every day, Lauren said, there was a search party of about 30 people looking for Ansaknok.

“They’ve truly just been there for our family and it’s been something I’ve never experienced before,” said Lauren.

Especially during a time when her family is also grieving the loss of her uncle, Andrew, who she said died also from drowning a month ago in the Yukon River.

“So many people had come by just to support and bringing food and donations and as soon as they found out who it was and knowing that we had that loss previously, a month ago they were even more so present,” said Lauren.

Alaska is one of the leading states in the nation, when it comes to fatalities linked to drowning. Those rates particularly higher in males and people living in rural areas, according to a report State of Alaska Epidemiology. “I don’t ever want another family to go through what we’re going through,” said Lauren.

That’s exactly what swim coach and co-founder of the Aquatic Foundation of Alaska, Grant Gamblin, is aiming to make happen.

“Our 10 year goal is to have the drowning rates [lower] in Alaska,” said Gamblin.

AFA is aiming towards improving water safety and education throughout the state, especially focusing on rural parts of the state.

“Learning at a young age is proven to decrease so many so many unfortunate fatalities that have come through,” said Gamblin.

Gamblin said he also encourages that adults learn how to swim as well. A critical key skill, he said, that he can help them survive.

Lauren also wants Alaskans to remember how powerful bodies of water can be and how proper water safety precautions need to be taken.

“We want everyone to accept the power that is the Chena River and any other body of water,” she said. “People need their life preservers. Please don’t jump off a bridge to go swimming on a hot day. I know that’s a local activity on some of the bridges here. It’s just so unsafe.”

Between 2016 and 2021, Alaska had 342 fatal drownings. Thirty-three percent of victims were found to be using drugs or alcohol prior and another 20% had fallen off of a vessel.

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