Trapper Creek man dies in gun-cleaning incident

CANTWELL — A Trapper Creek man died Saturday after he was shot in the leg during a hunting trip around 10:30 p.m., Sept. 1, according to Alaska State Troopers.

Kyle Strong, 29, Wasilla, and Cody Parry, 26, Trapper Creek, were staying at a cabin Parry’s family owns about a half-mile off the Parks Highway at Mile 169, troopers said. Strong was manipulating a 30.06 after cleaning it when a round discharged and passed through Parry’s leg where he was sitting on a nearby couch, according to a trooper dispatch.

Troopers say Strong attempted to save Parry’s life by providing CPR, and then running to the Parks Highway to flag down a passing motorist to help him transport Parry by four-wheeler to the highway to meet the ambulance.

Trapper Creek emergency medical services crews responded and declared Parry deceased.

Troopers said Parry’s body was sent to the State Medical Examiner's office for autopsy but foul play is not suspected. Next of kin has been notified.