Boat On Little Willow River Capsized, Woman Rescued By Passersby, Man Found Dead On Sunday

Little Willow River Is A Small Creek On The Parks Highway

Large Search Triggered For Body, Including The Alaska Dive Team 

Update: On June 7, 2026, at around 11:30 am, searchers with the Alaska Dive Rescue Team located a body near the site of the incident. The body was recovered and identified as Frank Villalosos. The body is being sent to the State Medical Examiner's Office for an autopsy. Next of kin have been notified. 

Location: Wasilla

Type: SAR

Dispatch Text:

On June 6, 2026, at 1:02 am, Alaska State Troopers received a report of a boating capsizing on the Little Willow River. The report stated that a boat had capsized as a result of striking a rock or log, about three miles above the Parks Highway Bridge. One female passenger was rescued by passerbys, and she reported that Frank Villavosos, age 21, of Palmer was still unaccounted for.

AST began organizing a search, and Willow/Caswell Fire Department, Talkeetna Fire Department, MATSAR, and the Alaska Dive Rescue Team responded to assist in the search. The initial response team found the boat near where it sunk. The search for Villavosos has been ongoing. The Alaska Wildlife Troopers conducted the search today both in the water and from the air. MATSAR provided multiple dog teams to search the water and shoreline, the Alaska Dive Team responded in their boat, and have been searching the water using underwater cameras and a K9. The search continues.

Posted on 6/6/2026 5:44:54 PM by DPS\jsdougherty