Our hearts are heavy at KYUK. Longtime KYUK colleague Lillian Atmak Michael died May 2. Michael served as a translator, reporter, and storyteller at KYUK for decades, and was known for her enthusiastic coverage of the Kuskokwim 300 sled dog race.
A friend found Michael deceased in a Bethel residence on May 2. Bethel Police Chief Richard Simmons said that her death is under investigation pending autopsy results. No foul play is suspected.
Michael’s body will be brought back from the medical examiner in Anchorage to her home village of Kwethluk later this week. KYUK will be producing a story to remember Michael following her burial.
