Alaska Department Of Public Safety,State Troopers Public Information Office

Dispatch Text:

Final Update: Earlier today, an Alaska State Trooper and a representative from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game traveled to Wales to investigate the polar bear attack that occurred yesterday. The remains of Myomick and Ongtowasruk were transported to the State Medical Examiner’s Office for autopsy. The investigation revealed that Myomick and Ongtowasruk were walking between the school and the clinic when the bear attacked them.

Update 1/18/23: Poor weather conditions in the region and the lack of runway lights in Wales prevented Troopers and Alaska Department of Fish and Game personnel from making it to Wales. Troopers are continuing to make efforts to fly to Wales today. The adult female killed in the attack is identified as 24-year-old Saint Michael resident Summer Myomick. The juvenile is identified as her 1-year-old son Clyde Ongtowasruk. Next of kin has been notified. The attack reportedly occurred in the village near the school. The US Fish and Wildlife Service has been notified of the incident.

Original: On January 17, 2023, at 2:30 pm, the Alaska State Troopers received a report of a polar bear attack in Wales. Initial reports indicate that a polar bear had entered the community and had chased multiple residents. The bear fatally attacked an adult female and juvenile male – it was shot and killed by a local resident as it attacked the pair. Troopers and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game are working to travel to Wales as weather conditions allow. Next of kin notifications are still in progress.