JUNEAU, Alaska- A USDA Forest Service employee died as a result of a fall early this afternoon near the City of Yakutat, 200 miles northwest of here. Details of the incident and the identity of the individual are being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

“We are all saddened by this incident and our hearts go out to the affected families and co-workers,” said Denny Bschor, Regional Forester. “We have already convened a safety investigation into the circumstances surrounding this incident.”