Frozen Tragedy on the Susitna: The Disappearance of Sean Kendall

A Routine Workday Turns Fatal

On the morning of March 6, 2025, a group of five workers from Alaska Directional Drilling embarked on a routine journey across the Susitna River near Point Mackenzie, Alaska. Traveling in a side-by-side all-terrain vehicle , their mission was to reach a remote job site. However, the journey took a tragic turn when the ATV broke through the river's ice around 8:45 a.m., plunging all five occupants into the frigid waters. 

Survivors' Harrowing Escape

Three of the five individuals managed to escape the icy grip of the river. They trekked to a nearby work camp and were later rescued by a chartered helicopter. Remarkably, none required medical attention. However, two men, Sean Kendall, 42, of Anchorage, and Skye Rench, 32, of Wasilla, were swept under the ice and did not resurface. 

Intensive Search Efforts

Following the incident, Alaska State Troopers launched an extensive search operation. Utilizing helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, and assistance from the Civil Air Patrol, they scoured the area from the last known location of the ATV downstream to the mouth of the Susitna River. However, unstable ice conditions hindered ground search efforts, making aerial searches the primary method. 

Transition to Reactive Search

After two days without new developments, the search transitioned to a reactive status on March 8, 2025. This meant that active searching ceased, and efforts would resume only upon receiving new leads or sightings. Both families were notified of this change, and the two men were officially listed as missing persons. ...Read More

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