On a summer day in June of 1978, 33-year-old Philip Carroll Fisher was with a companion near Seward, Alaska. He was a white male with brown hair, which included a beard, and brown eyes. On this particular day, he was wearing a denim jacket over a denim shirt with blue jeans and rust-colored boots. A scar on the left side of his chest was a notable distinguishing feature. He and his companion, Renee Wade, were enjoying the Alaskan outdoors on Bear Lake, a body of water located about six miles north of the town of Seward.
The day took a tragic turn when the canoe that Philip and Renee were in overturned in the waters of Bear Lake. The exact details of what caused the canoe to capsize are not widely known, but the event resulted in both individuals entering the water. An immediate search and rescue effort was launched by the Alaska State Troopers after they were reported missing on June 25, 1978, the day after they were last seen. The incident was assigned case number D78-2237 by the troopers.
Despite the efforts of authorities, neither Philip Fisher nor Renee Wade were ever located. The remote and often treacherous Alaskan wilderness can make search and recovery operations exceedingly difficult. The case is an unfortunate example of the dangers that can accompany outdoor recreational activities, especially in a state known for its rugged and unforgiving landscape. The disappearance of Philip Carroll Fisher and Renee Wade remains a somber event in the history of the Seward area, a reminder of how quickly a day of adventure can turn into a lasting mystery.
Last Seen: Jun 24, 1978
