Josh Nove, 24 years old, disappeared in Mother Goose Lake at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 3, while working with a group of Service emloyees and volunteers banding birds. According to witnesses, Nove spotted two chicks swimming in shallow water near an island, and entered the ankle-deep water in pursuit of the chicks. Witnesses said that he appeared to suddenly drop into deeper water, and was unable to stay above the water.
Service employees immediately attempted rescue efforts with a boat and on foot. Although search efforts have continued involving Alaska State Troopers, helicopters, Fish and Wildlife Protection dive teams and dragging equipment, efforts have been greatly hampered by glacial silt laden waters with zero visibility.
Nove volunteered with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to assist in migratory bird banding, production and migration studies, at Mother Goose Lake. Originally from Ipswich, Massachusetts, Nove graduated Magna cum laude from Amherst College in 1995 with a major in biology.
"There are really no words to express our sadness at the loss of this promising young man," Refuge Manager Ronald Hood said. "The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is built on a mission of caring and dedication, and in the short time that Josh was with us, he illustrated a fresh new interest in conservation for the future of younger generations."
FWS
