Ryan Stratton 2011-05-28

Fairbanks Man Dies Attempting To Swim To Shore

A Fairbanks man died after falling out of a canoe at Olnes Pond Saturday evening, that's according to Alaska State Troopers. 30-year-old Ryan Stratton was intoxicated when his canoe flipped and he was not wearing a personal flotation device, said troopers after they recovered his body. Trooper say it appears he was trying to swim to shore when he drown. Two other males were able to swim to shore, but neither was wearing a personal flotation device.

Troopers say people should be careful when mixing water recreation and alcohol. They say people should avoid consuming alcoholic beverages while on the water, and always wear a personal flotation device.