Paul Rodriguez, Jr. Missing Person Case

Aug 09, 2023

Aug 10, 2023

Paul

Rodriguez, Jr.

46

43

69 inches

150 lbs

White / Caucasian

Male

In July of 2023, the community of Juneau, Alaska, was struck with the sad news of the disappearance of 43-year-old Paul Jose Rodriguez, Jr. A passionate outdoorsman with a deep love for photography and adventure, Paul was last seen by his roommate on July 10, 2023. The following day, he posted a picture on social media of a kayak on a beach near Nugget Falls by the Mendenhall Glacier with the caption, “Headed up to the glacier!”. This would be the last communication anyone had with him. Concerns grew when his vehicle was found in the Mendenhall Glacier Visitors Center parking lot on July 16th, having been there since July 11th. U.S. Forest Service employees recalled seeing a man believed to be Paul walking towards the glacier carrying an ice axe and a climbing helmet. An unoccupied kayak, which resembled the one in his social media post, and a dry bag were found on Mendenhall Lake on July 11th but had no identifying marks. The official search for Paul began, involving multiple agencies including the Alaska State Troopers, Juneau Police Department, Juneau Mountain Rescue, and SEADOGS. An aerial search was conducted by helicopter as teams on the ground and in the water scoured the area around Mendenhall Lake. A significant breakthrough in the case came when a helmet with a GoPro camera attached was turned over to authorities by a member of the public. The helmet and camera were confirmed to belong to Paul. A review of the GoPro footage revealed the tragic events of July 11th. The video showed that his kayak had overturned due to a strong current near Nugget Falls, plunging him into the frigid glacial water. Tragically, the footage documented his drowning. Authorities noted that he did not appear to be wearing a personal flotation device or appropriate protective gear for the dangerously cold water. The focus of the operation then shifted from a search and rescue mission to a recovery effort for Paul's remains. However, the search was complicated and had to be temporarily suspended due to safety concerns for the search teams. An anticipated release of water from an ice dam in Suicide Basin, which creates hazardous currents, posed too great a risk for the searchers. The very same powerful currents believed to have caused his kayak to capsize were the reason for the pause in the recovery efforts. Despite the extensive searches, his body has not been recovered. The heartbreaking discovery of the GoPro footage brought a devastating conclusion to the search for Paul, confirming his passing and providing answers to his family and friends about his final moments. The incident serves as a somber reminder of the inherent dangers of recreating in the unpredictable and powerful Alaskan wilderness.

Jul 10, 2023

Juneau

Alaska

Juneau Borough

No

127379

Juneau Police Department

Juneau

Alaska

Juneau Borough

99801

6255 Alaway Avenue, Alaska

9075860600

Local

Law Enforcement

http://www.juneaupolice.com

2023-07160053

2023-07-16

Juneau Police Department

1350

Brown

Blue

Blue

No

07/11/2026