Wasilla man found drowned in Lake Louise

July 13, 2007

LAKE LOUISE - A Wasilla man who disappeared off of a running boat on Lake Louise has been found dead.

Richard Morlock, 55, was taking supplies across the lake to his cabin Saturday when he disappeared, Alaska State Troopers report. His boat was found Sunday empty a quarter-mile from shore.

After being reported missing, a search was conducted by 32 local boats, ground searchers and a AST helicopter, according to reports. Pilot Mel Neading located Morlock's body and directed a boat with two searchers for retrieval.

Megan Peters, troopers spokeswoman, said Morlock was found submerged under 7 feet of water, wearing hip waders and without a lifejacket. Foul play is not suspected. Evidence indicates Morlock may have fallen out of his boat and drowned. Hip waders filled with water are hard to remove, and Peters recommends not putting waders on until actually fishing. Duct tape can also be used to seal waders and prevent gaining water weight.

&#8220Your chances just go through the roof for survival when you have your life jacket on,” she added.

On average, nine out of 10 victims of drowning deaths in Alaska are adult males, Peters said.

- Hannah Guillaume