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Person of interest in Gambell woman's disappearance dies by suicide

Alaska News Nightly by Alaska Public Media

A body found outside the Bering Sea island community of Gambell has been identified as a missing village woman.

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Alaska State Trooper spokesman Tim DeSpain says the woman was 22-year-old Gladys Aningayou of Gambell.

Family members reported Aningayou missing Sunday.

Searchers Monday found a body several miles outside of Gambell.

DeSpain says there were difficulties in making a positive identification but the state medical examiner confirmed the identity.

Troopers earlier Friday announced that a person of interest in Aningayou's disappearance, 37-year-old Benjamin Booshu, had killed himself.

Tim DeSpain says Booshu on Tuesday shot himself outside his home before he could be questioned.

DeSpain says investigators believe Booshu was the last person seen with Aningayou.