In the vast and rugged landscape of Alaska, the story of 86-year-old Mary Josephine Evans unfolded with concern and mystery. Known to her friends and community as Mary Jo, she was a familiar face in Valdez, where she ran the Valdez-Cooper Basin Insurance agency. In early November 2025, family members grew worried when they had not heard from her since November 5th. This concern prompted them to report her missing.
It was believed that Mary Jo was traveling from Anchorage to her home in Valdez, a journey that would take her through the small community of Glennallen. The last confirmed sighting of Mary Jo was on the evening of November 11, 2025, when security footage showed her checking into the Caribou Hotel in Glennallen.
The narrative took a tragic turn in the early morning hours of November 12, 2025, when a fire broke out at the Caribou Hotel. The blaze was intense, and despite the efforts of multiple fire departments, the historic hotel was completely destroyed. Initial reports from the scene were cautiously optimistic, suggesting that all occupants had been safely evacuated and no injuries were reported. However, the subsequent investigation into Mary Jo's disappearance would soon intersect with the investigation into the hotel fire, casting a shadow over the initial reports of a safe evacuation. The fire not only claimed the landmark hotel but also several vehicles in the parking lot, one of which would become a key piece of evidence in the search for the missing woman.
Weeks after the fire, a crucial break in the case came when a Glennallen resident, who had seen a social media post about the missing woman, reported a severely burned vehicle in the hotel parking lot that matched the description of Mary Jo's blue 2020 Ford Escape. Investigators responded and confirmed that the vehicle belonged to her. This discovery shifted the focus of the investigation to the hotel fire. Despite an extensive search of the debris with K-9 units and by hand, no human remains were located due to the intensity and duration of the fire. Investigators reviewed security footage which showed Mary Jo entering the hotel on the night of November 11th, with no evidence of her ever leaving. Based on this and other investigative efforts, authorities believe she died in the fire, which they have stated appears to be accidental in nature. The case remains a somber reminder of a life lost amidst a community tragedy, leaving her family and community to grapple with the devastating loss.Last Seen: Nov 11, 2025
