Fort Simpson (Apr 14/03) - A Fort Simpson man whose snowmobile got stuck in the snow died alone in the bush on the night of April 9.

Wilfred Tonka, 52, was found dead by a relative on the eastern side of the Liard River crossing, about 20 kilometres from Fort Simpson, according to the Fort Simpson RCMP.

The temperature on that night dropped to -18 C. Const. Glen Demmon said Tonka was not dressed appropriately for the conditions.

Although the factors point to hypothermia, the official cause of death is still being investigated by the RCMP and the coroner.

There is no suspicion of foul play, Demmon noted.

Tonka had been visiting family members at their residence near the river crossing that evening. He left, and for an unknown reason headed away from Fort Simpson along a pipeline access road instead of riding back into town.

The snowmobile was found approximately 1.5 kilometres from the highway in heavy, waist-deep snow. Tonka had made his way to within 200 metres of the highway on foot before collapsing, said Demmon.