Troopers say Minto man, 18, died in accidental rifle discharge

An 18-year-old Minto man died early Wednesday after a rifle discharged as he unloaded gear from a boat, Alaska State Troopers said.

William Charlie was shot in the abdomen. He was medevaced but died before reaching the hospital.

Troopers received the report at 12:09 a.m. on Sept. 9. The Alaska Bureau of Investigation responded with troopers to the village. Investigators determined Charlie had just returned from a hunting trip and was unloading gear from a boat that held several rifles. He inadvertently discharged one while reaching in to remove gear, troopers said.

Next of kin have been notified. Charlie's remains will be sent to the State Medical Examiner's Office for autopsy.

The trooper dispatch does not include accounts from witnesses or Charlie's family.