Norman C. Kokeok 06-02-07

Man dies after snowmachine falls through Shishmaref ice

ADN, June 3, 2007

SHISHMAREF -- A snowmachiner from Shishmaref in Northwest Alaska died Saturday after his snowmachine fell through the ice while crossing Shishmaref Inlet, Alaska State Troopers said.

Norman C. Kokeok, 24, was returning from a hunting trip about 5:15 a.m., the press release said. He was trying to cross the East Channel of the inlet to Sarichef island when the snowmachine crashed into the inlet.

A group of people responded 15 minutes later, according to a troopers' press release. Rescuers pulled the unconscious Kokeok from the inlet and administered CPR.

Emergency responders from Nome also responded and tried to revive him. He was pronounced dead at 8:54 a.m.