Man who died in plane crash near Tyonek identified

A man who died Wednesday in a plane crash on Cook Inlet’s west side has been identified as Jason Walkush, 35.

Walkush, of Anchorage, was found dead in the wreckage of his plane near Chakachamna Lake, about 50 miles west of Tyonek, on Wednesday by searchers from the Alaska Rescue Coordination Center. His body was taken back to the State Medical Examiner’s office and his identity confirmed Friday afternoon, according to an online Alaska State Trooper dispatch.

The Rescue Coordination Center responded to a beacon alert from the plane at approximately 10:47 p.m. Wednesday, according to the dispatch. After the RCC was able to locate the plane and confirm that the pilot had died, troopers despolyed a helicopter with two troopers along with a National Transportation Safety Board officer to investigate and recover Walkush’s body, according to the dispatch.

Walkush’s next-of-kin have been notified, according to the dispatch.

–Staff reports

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