Anchorage man drowns in Pt. MacKenzie lake

POINT MACKENZIE — Alaska State Troopers say a man drowned early this morning while swimming with friends in a lake near Point MacKenzie Road.

According to a trooper press statement, the lake is near Beth Lake but doesn't have a name. Maps show Beth Lake is close to the intersection of Lewis Loop and Point MacKenzie Road.

Troopers were summoned to the scene at 1:45 a.m. They say Melvin G. Watkins II, 25, of Anchorage, had been swimming with friends when he started to struggle and went under.

“Witnesses on scene attempted to rescue Watkins but were unsuccessful,” troopers report.

In addition to troopers, borough medics and divers responded to the scene. At 5:05 a.m. the divers found Watkins' body.