Ronald Dale Alspaugh, 38, was last seen on September 2, 1989, during a canoeing trip on a river near Fairbanks. He was with four other residents from Nikiski who had lashed two canoes together in a catamaran style. As they neared Riley Creek and tried to pull the craft from the water, a wave swamped the catamaran and the current began dragging the waterlogged canoes and equipment.

According to eyewitnesses in the party, the other four reached the shore but Ronald turned back toward the turbulent water attempting to salvage gear. He was last seen floating downstream with the submerged canoes, struggling to stay afloat before going under. The next day the canoes were found wrapped around a bridge abutment at the Jonesville Bridge, but Ronald’s body was never recovered. He was last seen wearing a black leather jacket and blue jeans. The Alaska State Troopers handled the official investigation.

If anyone was on that stretch of river in early September 1989 or has information about Ronald’s disappearance, please come forward with what was observed.