Update: Juneau man dies after falling more than 100 feet near Salmon Creek Dam

Salmon Creek Dam. (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration photo)

William Milks, 64, lost his footing during a group hike, died after rescuers reached him, official say

A hiker who fell more than 100 feet near Salmon Creek Dam on Saturday afternoon died from injuries sustained, according police and fire officials.

William Milks, 64, of Juneau, was taking part in a group hike on Salmon Creek Trail when the fall occurred, according to a report published Sunday by the Alaska State Troopers, which were notified about the incident at about 3:30 p.m. Saturday.

"Witnesses reported Milks accidently tripped, lost his footing, and fell off the side of the trail," the AST report states. "Juneau Mountain Rescue personnel responded and were able to repel down to Milks’ location. Milks subsequently died as a result of the fall."

Milks’ next of kin were at the scene of the fall, according to AST. His body is being sent to the State Medical Examiner's Office in Anchorage for an autopsy.

Capital City Fire/Rescue, in a post on its Facebook page at 4:14 p.m. Saturday, stated it was involved in a rescue operation with Juneau Mountain Rescue, Alaska State Troopers and Temsco Helicopters Inc.

"We have a paramedic and EMT with the patient now," the post stated.

However, a subsequent post at 8:04 p.m. stated "CCFR is saddened to report the hiker has succumbed to his injuries."

"This incident has turned into a recovery operation," the second post stated. "No further details are currently available."

• Contact Mark Sabbatini at editor@juneauindependent.com or (907) 957-2306.