Into the Ice: The Unsolved Disappearance of Thomas Nazzaro on Alaska’s Matanuska Glacier

A Promising Journey into the Wild

In July 1999, 17-year-old Thomas John Nazzaro from Durham, New Hampshire, embarked on a life-changing expedition with the National Outdoor Leadership School in Alaska. The program, known for its rigorous wilderness training, brought Thomas and his group to the Matanuska Glacier, a sprawling and treacherous ice field approximately 40 miles east of Palmer. The journey was designed to instill leadership, resilience, and survival skills in the participants. Thomas, described as a capable and enthusiastic student, was among those selected for a solo expedition segment—a testament to his performance and promise. 

The Fateful Day

On July 11, 1999, during the 26th day of the 30-day course, Thomas and a small group set up camp near the base of the glacier. As part of their routine, they needed to collect water for the group. Thomas volunteered for the task, heading toward a nearby stream with two pots. When he did not return after some time, his companions grew concerned and retraced his steps. They discovered one of his water pots partially filled near a small glacier stream, but there was no sign of Thomas. Further investigation led them to a nearby moulin—a vertical shaft in the glacier formed by melting water. It was feared that Thomas had slipped and fallen into this deep, icy chasm....Read More

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