Anchorage police fly to Shaktoolik as the Kelly Hunt death investigation continues

Anchorage police detectives flew to Shaktoolik on Sept. 24 to interview people who knew Kelly Hunt, the 19-year-old whose death in Anchorage was ruled hypothermia, the department said Wednesday. The U.S. Marshals Service supplied the pilot, the aircraft and a deputy U.S. marshal.

The ruling did not end the case. APD said it is still working to establish where Hunt was, who she was with and how she came to be exposed to the cold while she was missing.

Hunt grew up in Shaktoolik, a Norton Sound village, and was staying in Anchorage on her way to Alaska Christian College in Soldotna. She was last seen in Anchorage on Jan. 7 and reported missing to APD on Jan. 11. Her body was found outdoors in the 3500 block of Lois Drive on April 20.

The Alaska State Medical Examiner Office determined the cause of death was hypothermia due to exposure to extreme cold while intoxicated, according to an APD release published Wednesday.

Detectives and the deputy marshal spent the day in the village interviewing community members in person. APD said people who knew Hunt there may have information about her life and contacts before her death.

The APD Homicide Unit, which investigates deaths in Anchorage, has the case. The department said its involvement does not mean a homicide has been determined.

In an April 29 Alaska House floor speech, Rep. Justin Ruffridge, R-Soldotna, described relatives traveling to Anchorage to look for her and advocates holding signs at basketball games, including the state tournament. He said her body was found in a ravine not far from where she had been staying.

Anyone with information can call APD at 3-1-1, referencing case number 26-1122, or leave an anonymous tip with Anchorage Crime Stoppers at 907-561-7867.