The Nome Police Department responded Friday afternoon to reports of a body found on the beach west of town. Police identified the deceased as 58-year-old Napolean Bergamaschi.
Bergamaschi’s body was located about a quarter mile down the beach. Police say he has a camp nearby and was close to his residence when he was found. He was dressed in several layers of winter gear.
Nome police said in a statement that they do not suspect foul play. They do not know whether Bergamaschi died from natural causes or from exposure. The body has been sent to the State Medical Examiner for an autopsy. Temperatures last week in Nome were frigid, dipping as low as 32 degrees below zero.
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Ben Matheson is a contributor with the Alaska Public Radio Network.