Andrew Henry Missing Person Case

Jan 03, 2018

Mar 13, 2024

Andrew

Henry

79

69

65 inches

140 lbs

American Indian / Alaska Native

Male

In the quiet, vast wilderness of Alaska, the story of 69-year-old Andrew Henry unfolds with a sense of profound loss and the unforgiving nature of the environment. On January 7, 2016, a day etched in the memory of his community, Andrew, an American Indian / Alaska Native male, embarked on what should have been a routine snowmachine journey from Ruby to Galena. He was reportedly wearing a red and black jacket, pants, and gloves, prepared for the harsh winter conditions that are a part of daily life in this remote region. The journey, however, took a tragic and unexpected turn, leaving a void in the lives of those who knew him and a lingering mystery for the wider community. The silence that followed his departure grew into a growing concern, prompting a search and an official report to the Alaska State Troopers the very next day. The search for Andrew Henry soon revealed a harrowing scene that spoke to the inherent dangers of winter travel in the Alaskan interior. Searchers discovered snowmachine tracks leading directly to an open hole in the ice of the powerful Yukon River, a grim discovery made approximately two miles above the Yuki River. This chilling evidence pointed towards a sudden and unforeseen accident. The unforgiving river, a lifeline and a potential hazard, appeared to have claimed Andrew and his machine. In a testament to the dedication of the search party, his snowmachine was later recovered from the icy depths of the open water, a tangible yet somber piece of a story that was rapidly turning into a tragedy. The recovery of the machine confirmed the fears of many but offered no solace in the form of Andrew's return. The disappearance of Andrew Henry serves as a stark reminder of the perils that are an accepted part of life in the Alaskan wilderness, where the beauty of the landscape is matched only by its potential for danger. The open leads in the river ice, formed by the complex and powerful movement of ice floes, are a known and feared hazard for those who travel the frozen waterways. Despite the experience and knowledge of local residents, the river's conditions can change swiftly and without warning, creating treacherous situations for even the most seasoned travelers. Andrew's case remains a poignant example of how quickly a familiar journey can turn into a desperate struggle for survival against the elements. The official investigation, led by the Alaska State Troopers, documented the circumstances of his disappearance, a narrative of a journey that ended abruptly and tragically in the frigid waters of the Yukon River, leaving behind a legacy of loss and unanswered questions for his family and community.

Jan 07, 2016

Ruby

Alaska

Yukon–Koyukuk Census Area

No

932

Alaska State Troopers

Anchorage

Alaska

Anchorage Borough

99507

Malia Miller

Missing Persons Clearinghouse Manager

5700 East Tudor Road, Alaska

9072695511

State

Law Enforcement

AK16001822

2016-01-08

Alaska State Troopers

10269

Black

Brown

Brown

07/15/2026