Preliminary autopsy results indicate Juneau’s mayor died Monday morning from natural causes, likely a heart issue. Based on that information, Juneau police do not suspect any foul play.
Greg Fisk was discovered dead inside his Kennedy Street home Monday afternoon.
At a press briefing in Juneau on Wednesday afternoon, Juneau Police Chief Bryce Johnson said the 70-year-old was found with some bruises and injuries on his face that were bleeding.
“People fall and faces get injured. It could look like there was an assault that took place and that’s why the first looks and people thought an assault took place, but it’s consistent with the fall and that’s the information we got back from the medical examiner as well,” Johnson said.
Johnson said the department has evidence that corroborates the medical examiners finding, which indicate facial injuries were not the cause of death. Johnson said it’s likely Fisk fell against a counter after experiencing a heart issue. Fisk had a history of heart problems, Johnson said.
Because the death was unattended and Fisk was found with injuries, Johnson said police had an obligation to investigate in case something potentially criminal did show up in the autopsy.
After Fisk’s body was found Monday afternoon, rumors quickly spread about the cause. His death has attracted national attention.
“There was a time period in which we just didn’t have any answers and, people being people, they run with the unknown for that couple of days. It’s Juneau, Alaska. It’s an exotic location. It’s a newly elected mayor so it was an intriguing story. It’s a tragic story for Juneau because we still lost our mayor, a tragic story for the family,” Johnson said.
Juneau police have notified Fisk’s family of the preliminary autopsy results. A final report is due in 2-8 weeks.
Lisa Phu is a reporter at KTOO in Juneau.
