Just weeks after he took office, the 70-year-old mayor of Alaska’s capital, Stephen “Greg” Fisk has been found dead, prompting a flurry of rumors that he was assaulted. Juneau Police told CNN that Fisk was found with injuries Monday and “it is not clear yet if the injuries are due to an accident or other trauma.” The mayor did not have a gunshot wound and authorities have no evidence suggesting a drug overdose or suicide. The police would not elaborate further on the type or severity of injuries. Juneau Police Chief Bryce Johnson told CNN affiliate KTUU, “We don’t know a cause of death.” The cause of death will have to come from investigators and the autopsy report, which is scheduled for Wednesday.
Fisk’s neighbors, Don and Janet Kussart, told the Juneau Empire that Fisk’s son opened the door of his father’s house and he started shouting after finding his father lying dead on the floor of a front room. The Kussarts said they live so close to Fisk’s house that they can hear the doors slam. The couple said they didn’t hear anything that sounded like an assault.
Juneau has a population 32,000 and is on Alaska’s southeastern panhandle near Canada. Fisk’s first term as Juneau’s mayor started in October and was scheduled to end in October 2018. The Alaska Dispatch News reported he was lauded for his positive campaign against incumbent Merrill Sanford. Even the opponent praised him so much that a local radio reporter had to ask him who he intended to vote for. Fisk had a background steeped in the fishing industry and was also working as a fisheries consultant. The Juneau Empire reported Fisk said his priority as mayor would be to diversify the economy. Juneau assembly member Maria Gladziszewski told the Dispatch News that Deputy Mayor Mary Becker will take over Fisk’s duties.