Hunter Shot in Back Medevaced from Admiralty Island

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Alaska State Troopers have identified a hunter who was shot in the lower back on Southeast Alaska’s Admiralty Island and medevaced by a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter Sunday morning. Jason Lindley, 25, has been flown to Seattle for treatment.

Coast Guard spokesperson Petty Officer 2nd Class Charly Hengen says watchstanders in Juneau received a radio report of the shooting from Lindley's hunting party, on the northwest side of Admiralty Island, at about 9 a.m.

An MH-60 Jayhawk rescue helicopter in the region heard the call and self-diverted to the hunting party's location near Hawk Inlet, where crew members were able to pick Lindley up. He was taken to emergency medical personnel in Juneau at about 10:10 a.m., then stabilized at Bartlett Regional Hospital for transport to Seattle.

"The hunting party had a means of communication so we were able to get help out there quickly," said Lt. j.g. Eddie Michno, District 17 command duty officer. "In an area like Alaska where cell phones can't be relied upon, having a secondary means of communication can make a huge difference."

AST spokesperson Beth Ipsen says troopers are investigating the circumstances of Lindley’s injury, and will speak with other members of the hunting party when they return to Juneau by boat later Sunday.