Georgia man, 71, found dead in Kenai River near Sterling boat ramp

A 71-year-old Georgia man was found dead in the Kenai River near a boat ramp off Scout Lake Loop in Sterling on Friday. Alaska State Troopers say nothing suspicious has been identified so far.

Troopers were notified at about 8:10 a.m. July 31 that an adult male was floating in the river near the ramp. They responded and identified the man as John Tripple of Georgia. A preliminary investigation determined Tripple was planning to fish in the area before he was found dead, troopers said. His next of kin have been notified.

Tripple's body was sent to the State Medical Examiner's Office. That office "is responsible for determining the cause and manner of death in cases that fall under its jurisdiction, including sudden, unexpected, or unnatural deaths," according to its state webpage.