Mystery swirls around death of Juneau mayor
Authorities in Alaska’s capital city on Tuesday were investigating the mysterious death of Juneau’s new mayor — and trying to tamp down intrigue swirling around the case.
Mayor Greg Fisk’s adult son, Ian, found the body at his dad’s home Monday afternoon and called 911, Juneau Police Department spokesman Erann Kalwara said.
“JPD is aware of rumors that an assault occurred in connection with Fisk’s death,” Kalwara said. “Those rumors are speculation. Detectives are actively investigating facts of the incident, and all evidence is being preserved and documented.”
Kalwara said authorities hoped that an autopsy could determine the cause of death for Fisk, 70, who owned a fisheries consulting firm.
The Juneau Empire reported that locals were speculating on Facebook and other social media about a possible assault.
Fisk’s death came two weeks after a double murder shocked the city of about 32,000 people. Police Chief Bryce Johnson told the Empire there was no apparent connection to the Nov. 15 shootings.
Deputy Mayor Mary Becker said the news of Fisk’s death was devastating, KTUU-TV in Anchorage reported. “He was a wonderful person and a friend, and from the calls I’ve been receiving tonight, I’m not the only one who felt he was wonderful person and a good friend to Juneau,” she told the television station.
Becker will now become acting mayor according to state law.
Last month, Fisk easily defeated then-mayor Merrill Sanford.
Fisk lived in Alaska since 1959 and was a 34-year resident of Juneau, a city at the base of Mount Juneau where the terrain is so rugged the city can’t be reached by roads. Planes and ferries provide access.
Gov. Bill Walker issued condolences via Twitter: “My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Mayor Greg Fisk. He will be remembered for his dedicated service to the community of Juneau.”