Paul Jose Rodriguez, Jr., 43, was last seen July 10, 2023, in Juneau, Alaska. He posted a photo July 11 of a kayak on a beach near Nugget Falls by the Mendenhall Glacier and was seen that day walking toward the glacier carrying an ice axe and a climbing helmet. His vehicle was found in the Mendenhall Glacier Visitors Center parking lot on July 16, where it had been since July 11.

An unoccupied kayak and a dry bag matching the social media picture were located on Mendenhall Lake July 11. A helmet with a GoPro that belonged to Paul was later turned over to authorities. Review of the GoPro footage showed his kayak overturning in a strong current near Nugget Falls on July 11 and documented him drowning; he did not appear to be wearing a personal flotation device or appropriate cold-water protective gear. Recovery efforts shifted from search and rescue to recovery, but teams suspended operations at times because hazardous currents from an anticipated ice-dam release made the area unsafe. His body has not been recovered.

If anyone has information about Paul’s activities on or near Mendenhall Lake on July 11, please share what you know.