Byron Waska, 28, died of a gunshot wound on July 1, 2026, inside a residence in Atmautluak. Troopers were notified about 4:05 p.m.; the death was first reported as a suicide but investigators found scene circumstances they described as suspicious and asked the Alaska Bureau of Investigation for assistance.

The home belonged to 36-year-old Levi Beaver, who reportedly was the only other person inside when the shooting occurred. According to charging documents, Beaver first said Waska had asked to look at a handgun Beaver owned and that he heard the gun discharge without seeing the shooting. Investigators say Beaver later told them the handgun discharged accidentally while he was handing it to Waska. Troopers determined Beaver had fired the shot while intoxicated and arrested him on July 2.

Beaver was charged with felony manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, second-degree misconduct involving weapons and fourth-degree misconduct involving weapons and was held at the Yukon Kuskokwim Correctional Center; Waska’s body was sent to the Alaska State Medical Examiner’s Office in Anchorage and next of kin were notified. The charges are allegations unless proven in court. Does anyone have information about Waska’s time in Atmautluak or the events of that day?