Fisherman found dead in Chena River

FAIRBANKS (AP) -- Divers pulled a fisherman's body out of the Upper Chena River after kayakers saw him submerged in 10 feet of water, Alaska State Troopers said.

Craig Richard Skvarch, 32, might have lost his footing on the rocks, fallen into the river and hit his head, said trooper Raymond Evarts. His body was found Friday evening about 10 feet off the rocky shoreline, Evarts said.

Skvarch's spinner rod and sunglasses were found near the shore about 12 feet upriver from where his body was found, Evarts said.

Three kayakers spotted the body at about 4:30 p.m. Friday while floating downstream from Angel Rocks, Evarts said. The body was retrieved shortly before 8 p.m.

Skvarch, who worked at Chena Hot Springs Resort, told coworkers he planned to go fishing after his shift ended at 12:30 a.m. Friday.