Tragic Snowmachine Accident Claims Life of Local Teen
BETHEL, ALASKA – Emergency responders have recovered the body of 17-year-old James J. McMillen, who died in a snowmachine accident on Saturday evening, May 3, 2025. McMillen was reportedly driving when his snowmachine sank into a pond, rendering him unable to swim to safety.
At the time of the incident, McMillen was accompanied by three adults. Police state that the group was engaged in a practice known as “skipping,” which involves driving snowmachines across the surface of a pond. Unfortunately, McMillen’s snowmachine sank in a man-made pond off Chief Eddie Hoffman Highway, which was approximately 6 feet deep at the time.
Preliminary investigations suggest that McMillen struggled to swim due to the heavy cold-weather gear he was wearing. Two bystanders attempted to reach him but were hampered by their own gear, forcing them to retreat as they neared hypothermia.
The Bethel Police Department, along with the Fire Department and Search and Rescue teams, coordinated the recovery efforts. McMillen’s body was located and pulled from the water around 10:30 p.m. but was later pronounced dead at Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation hospital.
Authorities have stated that there is no suspicion of foul play, but an investigation is ongoing. Meanwhile, McMillen’s family is seeking assistance with funeral and travel expenses; details can be found on social media platforms.
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