Search called off for missing snowmachiner

WILLOW — Rescuers have temporarily called of the search for a snowmachiner who fell through the ice and is presumed dead on the Big Susitna River.

Scott Douglas Aslakson, 51, of Houston, went through the ice Saturday after driving over an embankment. Alaska State Troopers, the Mat-Su Water Rescue Tream and trooper investigators, using a plane, a helicopter, snowmacines and boats, were unable to find him.

Monday, troopers announced they have suspended search efforts until the ice thaws.

"It will be much safer for dive crews to try ot search once the ice has cleared out. We don’t want to put anybody into harm’s way," trooper spokeswoman Megan Peters said Tuesday. "It is important that it get done. However we can’t put other people at risk."