Medics can’t save missing Big Lake man

WILLOW — A Big Lake man reported missing Friday died shortly after being found Saturday morning by a friend flying in a search for him.

Theodore Schachle, 44, of Big Lake, spotted Gary Swanson, 44, on his back in a swamp at about 8:45 a.m., according to Alaska State Troopers.

In an attempt to make a low pass over Swanson, Schachle’s Super Cub stalled and crashed into trees. Schachle, 52, of Willow, and his passenger, Craig Seime, 51, of Big Lake, were able to get out of the wreckage and found Swanson unconscious, but alive.

The troopers called in a helicopter and another plane to the area where Swanson was found. A Lifeguard helicopter was also launched, as well as an Air National Guard helicopter from the Rescue Coordination Center in Anchorage.

Medics treated Swanson, but he didn’t survive. He was taken to the state medical examiner’s office in Anchorage.

Trooper spokeswoman Megan Peters said Saturday the cause of Swanson’s death wasn’t known yet.

Schachle, who suffered minor injuries in his crash, and Seime were taken from the scene by private aircraft.

Family members staying at a cabin near Bud Lake reported Swanson missing about 7 a.m. Friday. After searching for him, they called troopers. Swanson was last seen at 5 p.m. Thursday when he left the cabin, which is about nine miles west of Sheep Creek Lodge, said trooper spokeswoman Beth Epson.

Troopers with a dog, and several volunteers, had conducted a ground search before calling in a helicopter.

Contact T.C. Mitchell at tc.mitchell@frontiersman.com or 352-2268.