Benjamin Gadd, 01-22-05

Alaska digest

(Published: January 24, 2005)

TRAPPER CREEK

Teenager on snowmachine dies after fall through ice

A 14-year-old Anchorage boy died Saturday after he fell through ice while snowmachining around Camp Creek in the Trapper Creek area, according to Alaska State Troopers.

Benjamin Gadd was riding off Petersville Road with Gordon Bartel, 43, and Aaron Bartel, 14, both also of Anchorage, troopers said.

Gadd's machine rolled over and he fell through the ice, the troopers' initial investigation found. Troopers were alerted about 5:15 p.m. and sent Helo 1, the trooper helicopter. Gadd was flown to Valley Hospital in Palmer, where he was pronounced dead. The investigation is continuing.