Alex Lee Ashley, 36, disappeared in Alaska on August 8, 1984, after boarding an airboat for a trip from Pate Lodge on Buchatna Creek to the Rig Tenders dock on the East Forelands. The airboat was known to have mechanical problems and was later reported overdue. Witnesses reported the vessel possibly circling before it was last seen heading southeast toward Ninilchik.

Ashley was described as a white male, 5 feet 8 inches, about 165 pounds, with blond or strawberry blond hair and blue eyes. Distinctive features included a crippled left hand, a fish hook–shaped scar on his left cheek, and several tattoos on his left hand, fingers, and forearm; he was also wearing a Casio digital watch with a silver liquid half display. The Alaska State Troopers in Anchorage handled the inquiry and the case was entered into NamUs.

The circumstances of what happened on the water remain unclear and the remote Alaskan environment complicated search efforts. If anyone has information about Alex, his boat, or sightings on or after August 8, 1984, please come forward.