Body of missing teen found in North Pole pond near gravel pit

FAIRBANKS, Alaska (KTVF) - Alaska State Troopers (AST) have announced the end of a multi-day ground and air search for a missing teen in North Pole.

According to AST, the body of Talen Luth-Ney was found in a pond within a gravel pit on the evening of Wednesday, September 6 by a volunteer K9 team.

On Sunday, September 3 at 5:50 a.m., troopers were assigned to do a welfare check at the DK dike off of H and H Road in North Pole.

A caller had reported that five hours earlier, Talen had been at a juvenile party, and had “freaked out” and ran into the woods when someone had said the cops were coming. No one had seen Talen since that time.

Talen was 17 at the time of his disappearance.

His body has been recovered and sent to the State Medical Examiner’s office to undergo an autopsy.

The circumstances of his death are being investigated by the the Alaska Bureau of Investigation Fairbanks Major Crimes Unit.

Next of kin have been notified.

A candlelight vigil is being held for Talen Luth-Ney and his family on Saturday, Sept. 9 at 7 p.m. The vigil will take place at the Terry Miller Park on Santa Claus Lane, located next to the Wells Fargo Bank. Everyone is welcome and attendees are encouraged to bring candles and flowers.