Skull found in ’97 in remote Alaska belongs to New York man

By BECKY BOHRER
Associated Press

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — Alaska authorities say a skull found in a remote part of the state’s Interior in 1997 belongs to a New York man whose death was likely caused by a bear mauling. The Alaska State Troopers said in a statement that investigators used genetic genealogy to identify the remains as those of Gary Frank Sotherden. DNA was taken from the remains in April. Troopers say they contacted a relative who also provided a DNA sample. The relative told troopers Sotherden had been dropped off to go hunting in the 1970s in the area where his skull was found. A troopers spokesperson said Sotherden had been reported missing in the late 1970s.