Tragic Discovery in Alaska: Missing ATV Rider Found

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU/Gray News) – Officials have confirmed the identification of the body of 32-year-old Skye Rench, who went missing after falling through the ice of a river while riding an ATV in March. The unfortunate discovery was made by a private pilot near the mouth of the Susitna River on Thursday, with authorities reporting the identification on Friday.

Rench fell through the ice on March 6 while attempting to cross the river with fellow rider Sean Kendall, who remains missing. Alaska State Troopers, aided by a member of Alaska Dive, Rescue and Recovery, successfully recovered Rench’s body and transported it to the Wasilla airport for an autopsy by the State Medical Examiner.

Rench was undertaking contract work for Alaska Directional, a drilling company engaged in a remote project near Point Mackenzie that necessitated crossing the river. His fiancée, Heidi Goozen, shared his passion for snowmachining, explaining that he had a storied history in motorsports, including participation in the annual Iron Dog race, which is famously dubbed the “World’s Longest, Toughest Snowmobile Race.”

As the search for Kendall continues, this incident underscores the dangers of winter travel in Alaska, particularly in locations where ice conditions can be unpredictable.

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