Police Release Identity of Man Found Dead near Ship Creek Dam

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Update: On Wednesday, the Anchorage police department confirmed the identity of the man found dead near the Ship Creek dam as 35-year-old Jack A. Harshfield, of Anchorage.

KTUU Channel 2 News has learned from family members that Harshfield worked on the slope and was originally from Pilot Point and came back from a summer of fishing in Ugashik.

On Tuesday morning around 6:48 a.m., police said a passerby spotted a floating body around 6:48 a.m. near 229 E Whitney Road upstream from the Ship Creek Dam.

Lt. Parker said the current drew the body to the base of the dam and a sluice gate was opened to allow the body to be recovered downstream by the Anchorage Fire Department.

Police described the man as a 35-year-old male, 5’10”, 200 pounds, and said he was not believed to be living on the street.

Police said no signs of foul play were visible, and the Medical Examiner’s will determine the cause of death.

Editor's Note: Corrects source of Harshfield background to family members, not APD.