Juneau Mayor Greg Fisk Found Dead Inside Home

On Monday, police in Juneau, Alaska confirmed that newly-elected Mayor Stephen "Greg" Fisk was found dead in his home. He was 70. Fisk was the 13th mayor of Alaska's capital, and died a little more than a month after he easily defeated incumbent Merrill Sanford.

Police received a 911 call in the afternoon from a man who reported a deceased person at Fisk's home. Fisk was pronounced dead at the scene, according to authorities. Police are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding Fisk's death, which were not immediately disclosed. Spokeswoman Erann Kalwara said referred to the case as an "unattended death" to reporters, but did not elaborate further.

According to his mayoral bio, Fisk graduated from West Anchorage High School in Anchorage, Alaska, and later received a B.A. in Geography at Indiana University in 1971. He was an Alaskan since 1959, the same year it officially became the union's 49th state, and was a Juneau resident for 34 years. Before being elected mayor, Fisk was heavily involved in the community and other government committees. He was on the Juneau Economic Development Council, Downtown Business Association, Dock and Harbor Board, and the Fisheries Development Committee. He also worked on Native land claims throughout Alaska and eastern Canada.

A fisheries consultant, Fisk ran on an economic development platform which included attracting new investment, building public infrastructure, and strengthening industries such as tourism, mining, construction, manufacturing, and commercial fishing. Fish supported increasing the minimum wage, legalizing marijuana, and banning discrimination against the gay community. He beat Sanford with 65.9 percent of the vote.

"Like you, I love Juneau, and believe our best days are ahead," he said via his website. Fisk leaves behind his son Ian and grandson Kai. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.

Image: Juneau.org