Justin Braswell, 22, died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound late Tuesday.
KDLG: Fishermen reported Tuesday evening, and state troopers confirmed Wednesday morning, that 22-year-old Justin Braswell of Dillingham died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound at Ekuk beach Tuesday.
Braswell was a pilot who had recently started an air taxi service and was flying routes this summer.
"I will go anywhere anytime weather permitting, with competitive pricing, safe, fast, reliable and friendly service," he wrote in on an advertising post in June.
Fishermen at the beach say Braswell was spending time with a girl in one of the fishing families, and had been in and out of Ekuk for several weeks. It's also been reported that there has been heavy drinking within that circle of young people, leading to several problems at the beach this month. Nearby crews reported loud yelling where Braswell was staying at about 10:00 p.m. Tuesday. Authorities put the time of death at 9:50 p.m.
Troopers say alcohol was a factor in the death. Braswell's body has been sent to Anchorage for an autopsy, and while troopers say they are continuing to investigate, there is no suspicion of foul play.
dave@kdlg.org or 907-842-5281.