Vernon Pavil, a 71-year-old Alaska Native man, went missing during catastrophic flooding in Kwigillingok after Typhoon Halong struck on October 12, 2025. He was in a home with his sister, 67-year-old Ella Mae Kashatok, and his nephew, 41-year-old Chester Kashatok, when floodwaters carried the house away. Ella Mae Kashatok’s body was later found inside the displaced home. Vernon and Chester were reported missing and local, state, and federal teams searched by boat, air, and drone.

Search efforts produced no immediate leads and were eventually suspended after an extensive operation. In June 2026 adult male remains found near Kwigillingok were positively identified as Chester Kashatok. Vernon Pavil remains missing and unlocated, and his family continues to endure uncertainty and loss. Anyone with information about Vernon Pavil’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Alaska State Troopers.