Preston Fowler Missing Person Case

Apr 11, 2019

Mar 13, 2024

Preston

Fowler

72

29

70 inches

150 lbs

White / Caucasian

Male

On a summer day in Alaska, June 17, 1983, the life of 29-year-old Preston L. Fowler changed in an instant. He was enjoying a day of dip netting on the powerful Copper River, a popular activity in the vast wilderness of the state. At a location approximately 5 miles south of the small community of Chitina, on the river's west bank, an accident occurred. While engaged in this pastime, Preston fell into the turbulent, glacier-fed waters of the river. He was wearing a long sleeve brown and green plaid shirt and green chest waders at the time of the incident. The remote and rugged landscape of the Copper River area presents significant challenges, and the river itself is known for its cold temperatures and strong currents, fed by melting glaciers. Following Preston's fall into the water, search efforts were initiated in an attempt to locate him. Despite these efforts, he was never found. The formidable nature of the river and the surrounding wilderness likely hampered the search, and the hopes of finding him began to fade as time passed. The disappearance of Preston Fowler is a poignant example of the unforgiving nature of the Alaskan wilderness. His case was documented by the Alaska State Troopers, but with no recovery, it remains a painful open chapter for his loved ones. Decades have gone by since that day on the Copper River, and Preston remains among the many individuals who have gone missing in Alaska's vast and wild terrain. The overview of the case is a tragic story of a young man who was engaged in a recreational activity when he was abruptly taken by the powerful forces of nature, leaving behind unanswered questions and an enduring sense of loss.

Jun 17, 1983

Chitina

Alaska

Valdez–Cordova Census Area

No

49057

Alaska State Troopers

Anchorage

Alaska

Anchorage Borough

99507

Malia Miller

Missing Persons Clearinghouse Manager

5700 East Tudor Road, Alaska

9072695511

State

Law Enforcement

8350071

1983-06-17

Alaska State Troopers

Blond/Strawberry

Blue

Blue

07/23/2026