I feel like the system failed her: family of Wasilla teen found dead speaks out [Video]

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – The family of a teenager who was found dead early Friday morning on a powerline trail in Wasilla is now sharing more information in the hopes it will shed light on a problem they say is all too common for troubled youth.

Around 7:20 a.m. Friday, Alaska State Troopers were alerted to the teen’s body being discovered, and by Monday, the agency had identified the teen as 16-year-old Alena Toennis of Wasilla.

The teen’s aunt, Crystal Drake Toennis, posted on social media saying Alena’s body was found behind a business in the area of Seldon and Bogard Roads.

Alena’s uncle Lazlo Toennis said the youngster was addicted to drugs at birth and prescribed various medications at an early age. He said Alena struggled with both drug addiction and mental health issues.

The combination of the two, her family said, made it difficult for her to find the adequate help she needed.

“If they had kept her in juvie and …