On October 4, 2002, 34-year-old Daniel Standifer, Jr., of Soldotna went missing after an argo overturned while the vehicle and its three occupants tried to cross Nikolai Creek, a tributary of the Chachatna River south of Tyonek. Daniel, who also used the names Dan and Cowboy Dan, was described as American Indian / Alaska Native. At the time he disappeared he wore a black Carhartt coat, jeans, hip waders, glasses and a life vest that reportedly came off during the incident.

One companion escaped and called for help; another was later found dead. A search for Daniel did not locate him and he is presumed to have drowned in Nikolai Creek. The disappearance was reported to Alaska State Troopers the next day and the case remains open. Very little is known about the exact sequence after the argo flipped; any firsthand information about that day could help fill gaps.

If anyone was in that area on October 4, 2002 or has information about Daniel’s disappearance, please share what you know.