Anchorage man drowns in Little Su

PALMER — An Anchorage man died trying to cross the Little Susitna River about 10:30 p.m., Thursday, authorities said.

Yong Soo Kim, 74, and an unidentified friend were out mushroom hunting in the Hatcher Pass Management Area when they became lost, said Alaska State Troopers spokesperson Megan Peters.

The pair eventually reached the Little Su and spotted a house on the other side. The friend told Kim to remain on the riverbank while he went for help, Peters said. When the friend returned with help, the man was nowhere to be found, so the friend notified authorities, Peters said.

Mat-Su Borough emergency medical and water rescue personnel responded within minutes, and discovered Kim’s body about 160 feet down-river from where he was last seen, authorities said.

Authorities suspect the cause of death is drowning, but won’t be sure until the Alaska State Medical Examiner’s Office makes an official determination, Peters said.

Authorities aren’t exactly sure when the two separated, in part because of the language barrier, Peters said.

Outdoors users should take care crossing water, Peters added.

“Make good judgment calls based on your own experience and your own gear,” she said. “Even during simple outings in Alaska, bad things can happen.”