The Alaska Army National Guard accepted the mission and launched a UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter from the armory in Bethel. Guard members flew 25 miles south to search for the stranded people.

Larry Erwin, 53, of Dallas, was killed about 53 miles southeast of Bethel, troopers said in a July 20 dispatch. They were notified of the death at 6:21 p.m. Friday, July 19.