Jason Merle Kaningok, a 46-year-old Alaska Native man from Gambell, was last seen on September 15, 2022, walking on West Beach. His cell phone showed its final activity that same day at 5:31 PM and then went silent. Family and friends reported him missing to the Alaska State Troopers on September 22, 2022, and an official investigation and searches by local volunteers and law enforcement began soon after.

Search teams combed West Beach and other parts of Gambell, but no trace of Jason was found. The remote, rugged terrain of the Nome Census Area complicated efforts and investigators have not publicly identified any concrete leads. The case remains open and unresolved, leaving Jason’s family and the community without answers.

Anyone who saw Jason on or after September 15, 2022, or who has information about his movements or whereabouts is asked to come forward.