Arrest made in 2023 overdose death of La Grande man in Alaska
By Joe Hathaway on Wednesday, June 5th, 2024 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
SKAGWAY, ALASKA — Police in a small Alaska town have arrested a man they say supplied a La Grande man fentanyl that led to his death in 2023.
Anthony Bowers was 28 when he overdosed and died on January 13, 2023, in Skagway, which is a little more than 100 miles northwest of Juneau.
According to his obituary, Bowers was born in Alaska, but moved to La Grande as a child. He attended Riviera Elementary, La Grande Middle School and La Grande High School. In high school, he wrestled and played football.
He attended Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Las Vegas, then moved to Skagway in 2019 to pursue a career as a chef.
On January 13, 2023, Bowers and his friend, James Cook, both overdosed and died after taking fentanyl. A release from the Skagway Police Department from June 3, 2024 says that after more than a year of investigating the two men’s deaths, they arrested Jacob Cotton at the Juneau Airport.
“The investigation revealed that Jacob Cotton provided fentanyl to Anthony Bowers, who subsequently provided the substance to James Cook. Both victims tragically succumbed to lethal doses of fentanyl,” according to the release.
Cotton is now charged with two counts of Manslaughter and Misconduct Involving a Controlled Substance in the Second Degree.
“This arrest is the result of comprehensive investigative work by the Skagway Police Department, SEACAD and the DEA reflecting our unwavering dedication to public safety and justice. We would also like to thank the family, friends, and community for the support and cooperation during this investigation,” said Chief Jerry Redick of the Skagway Police Department. “Our deepest sympathies are extended to the families of the victims and our assurance to the community that we will continue to pursue every lead in our efforts to combat drug-related crimes.”
Cotton is scheduled to be arraigned in court this week.
