Iowa father drowns trying to save son at Alaska’s Lake Clark National Park

An Iowa father died while trying to save his son, who got swept away while wading in a river at a national park in Alaska this week.

Matthew Burns, 47, and his 21-year-old son were visiting Lake Clark National Park and Preserve from Keokuk, Iowa, when the two entered the river at the base of Tanalian Falls around 2:15 p.m. Saturday, Alaska State Troopers said in a news release.

The son, who has not been identified, was swept downriver by the powerful current, state authorities and the National Park Service said.

Burns quickly swam after him, but tragically drowned while his son was able to reach safety, authorities said.

The elder Burns was pronounced dead after first responders from the local Port Alsworth Volunteer Fire Department and Southcentral Foundation Lake Clark Wellness Center failed to resuscitate him, the federal agency said.

His body was moved to the state’s medical examiner.

“The National Park Service thanks all of the local community members and volunteer rescue personnel who worked together to respond to this incident,” the federal agency said. “Lake Clark National Park extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends affected by this event.”

The drowning is under investigation, though no foul play is suspected, the park service said.

Lake Clark National Park is in southwest Alaska — about 100 miles from Anchorage – and is filled with various mountains, waterfalls and glaciers.

The tragedy is one of several to strike at national parks this summer.