What Happened to Alena? 'Bright and Loving' Girl, 16, Was Found Dead on Alaska Trail

Mar. 15, 2025

Alena Toennis.Photo:GoFundMe

GoFundMe

The victim has been identified as 16-year-old Alena Toennis, of Wasilla, theAlaska Department of Public Safetysaid in a statement.

The investigation began on Friday, Nov. 15, when Alaska State Troopers responded to a power line trail in Wasilla regarding a deceased female.

Investigators determined, based on evidence at the scene, that her death was “suspicious” and the case was handed over to the Alaska Bureau of Investigation, per the statement.

Troopers have spoken with the person who was last seen with Alena, and interviewed “everyone who is involved,” they said.

Investigators have now categorized her death as an isolated incident while they await forensic and toxicology reports that they say “will be crucial to charging determinations.”

Alena Toennis.Alena Toennis/Facebook

Alena Toennis/Facebook

Alena’s family is speaking out, claiming she struggled with her mental health and addiction, according toAlaska’s News Source.

“I would say there needs to be more mental health facilities for youth that are struggling, like Alena struggled,” her aunt, Crystal Toennis, told the outlet.

She was reportedly released from a juvenile detention center in April, but her aunt believes she didn’t get the services she needed.

“I feel like the system failed her,” Crystal said, per the outlet. “The state’s very aware of the situation, and they still released her. So [we need] more resources on the state level, the federal level, to help these troubled kids.”

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“Even though she struggled later in her life, she deserves a beautiful memorial for loved ones to remember her and a final place to rest,” read part of the fundraiser.

source: people.com