A missing 61-year-old Tonsina woman was found dead Wednesday in a creek near the community, after Alaska State Troopers say she had been last seen drinking with friends Monday.
According to a Thursday dispatch, AST was informed at about 7 p.m. Tuesday that Linda Poplin was missing. Troopers arrived at the Squirrel Creek State Recreation Area at Mile 79.5 of the Richardson Highway at about 9 p.m. that evening to begin an investigation into her whereabouts.
"(Poplin) was reported missing by friends who stated they drank with Poplin at her residence on the night of (June 17) and Poplin was highly intoxicated," troopers wrote. "AST conducted a search of the immediate area without success."
Troopers continued the search for Poplin Wednesday, aided by volunteers as well as the Kenny Lake Volunteer Fire Department. Mat-Su Search and Rescue PAWS teams with search dogs were also called to the area, and had been scheduled to arrive Wednesday afternoon.
"At approximately (3:35 p.m.), prior to PAWS arrival, a local volunteer located a body partially visible underwater, trapped under a log jam in Squirrel Creek near Poplin's residence," troopers wrote. "AST recovered the body and identified Poplin by her DMV photograph."
No signs of foul play were detected, and Poplin's body was taken to the Crossroads Medical Center in Glennallen to await transport to the state medical examiner's office for an autopsy.
Contact Chris Klint