A body found inside a bus near Ketchikan has been identified as Thomas Nelson, the 61- year-old owner of the bus.
Nelson had lived in the bus and was declared missing last December. He was last seen in October, at the convenience store across the street from where his bus is parked in Saxman, just south of Ketchikan. Security footage from that day showed Nelson returning to his bus.
On July 14, Alaska State Troopers responded to a report of a possible deceased person, and discovered a foul odor coming from Nelson’s bus. The door was locked from the inside, but with the help of the fire department, they were able to enter the bus, where they found the body. Troopers said it was clear the body had been there for months due to severe decomposition. They also said there was no evidence of a struggle, suicide, or drug use found inside the bus.
The body was sent to the State Medical Examiner’s Office in Anchorage, which on Monday identified Nelson’s remains.
This is a developing story and further coverage is anticipated.
