Fort Simpson (Mar 25/05) - Fort Simpson RCMP are investigating the death of a hunter whose body was discovered about 75 km south of Wrigley, Thursday night.

While investigators do not suspect foul play in the death of Jerry Julian Betsedea, 36, they are releasing few details surrounding his last moments.

"In order to protect the integrity of the investigation, we cannot discuss some of the circumstances," said RCMP Const. Bruce Rice.

Betsedea was riding his snowmobile along the frozen Mackenzie River when the machine became stuck in a section of overflow sometime between Wednesday afternoon and Thursday evening, Rice said. Betsedea was hunting about 11 km from the Willow River settlement.

Another person discovered his body Thursday night around 7:45 p.m. and called into Fort Simpson using a bush radio, Rice said.

A final determination on the cause of death would probably be made by the coroner's office within a couple of weeks, he said adding Betsedea appeared to be alone when he died.