72-Year Old Michigan Man Drowns While Swimming at Victory Bible Camp, Mile 94 Glenn Highway

Troopers, EMTs, Helicopter & Dive Team Called To Locate Missing Swimmer At Religious Summer Camp 

Family, friends and other campers tried to find missing man before divers and others came to help them. 

TROOPER REPORT:

Location: Mile 94 Glenn
Type: Drowning / Death Investigation

Dispatch Text:
On July 17, 2021 at approximately 1250 hours, the Alaska State Troopers were notified of a missing swimmer at Victory Bible Camp near mile 94 of the Glenn Highway. 

Initial reports indicated that 72-year-old Michigan resident Clare Harkema was swimming when he went under the water and did not resurface. Family members and other individuals in the area attempted to locate Clare but initial search efforts were not successful. 

The Alaska State Troopers along with area fire, EMS, a LifeFlight helicopter, and dive team responded to the lake to assist with the search. At approximately 1538 hours, Clare was located deceased by divers. Clare’s remains will be transported to the State Medical Examiner’s Office. Next of kin have been notified.

NOTE: The victim,  Clare Harkema, was originally incorrectly referred to as a woman in this report. Clare Harkema was a man.