Montana

Family reacts to Western MT sisters drowning in AK

Posted: Aug 11, 2012 12:54 PM by MTN News

ANCHORAGE, AK- We have learned more about the two Western Montana sisters who drown in Alaska earlier this week while on a trip that was supposed to be a joyous occasion.

Fern Johnson, 60, of Plains and her sister, 48-year-old Carol Heater of Kalispell, were canoeing on the Eagle River in Anchorage Wednesday along with Johnson's husband Robert when their canoe overturned in a logjam.

The two sisters were caught under the debris and drowned. An aunt of the women tells us they arrived that day in Alaska with other family members to celebrate their father's 85th birthday.

Helen Sorenson also said that the women often took trips together. "Fern was very laid back easy-going person. She just took one day at a time and relaxed. And Carol was outgoing of course, energetic...bouncy."

Each of the women leave behind two sons and grandchildren.