On November 1, 2025, the community of Kotzebue, Alaska, was struck with concern and sorrow when 58-year-old Male Bergman Nelson was reported missing. A day that began as a hunting trip with two other men turned tragic near Lockhart Point, north of Kotzebue. The group, traveling on a snowmachine and two four-wheelers, encountered dangerously thin ice, which gave way beneath their vehicles. In a harrowing moment, Mr. Nelson was last seen falling into the icy water with his snowmachine, reportedly while trying to help another member of his party.
The immediate aftermath of the incident saw one of the hunters manage to get to shore on his own. The second man, 46-year-old Elmer Brown Sr. of Kotzebue, was pulled from the water by initial rescuers but tragically succumbed to his injuries after being transported to the Maniilaq Health Center. This left Mr. Nelson as the focus of an urgent and extensive search. Local emergency medical technicians and community members began the search before the Alaska State Troopers were notified and took over the investigation. The Northwest Arctic Borough Search and Rescue and the Kotzebue Fire Department also joined the efforts to find him. At the time of his disappearance, he was described as being 5'8" tall, weighing 205 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. He was believed to be wearing black snow pants, a black coat, and black boots, and was carrying a rifle.
For months, the search for Bergman Nelson continued, a period of uncertainty and hope for his family and the close-knit community. The challenging Alaskan winter did not deter the efforts of both official search crews and dedicated volunteers. Then, in June of 2026, official reports confirmed that Mr. Nelson had been found deceased. His wife shared that his body was discovered by one of his nephews, bringing a heartbreaking end to the long search. While the news was devastating, his family expressed a sense of relief that they could finally bring him home to rest. The tragic incident that led to the deaths of two men served as a stark reminder of the unforgiving nature of the Alaskan wilderness, prompting authorities to issue warnings about the unsafe saltwater ice conditions in the area. The case of Male Bergman Nelson is a somber story of a hunting trip that ended in tragedy, highlighting the risks faced by those who live and travel in the remote and beautiful landscapes of Alaska.
Last Seen: Nov 1, 2025
