Gary Pitt Missing Person Case

Mar 17, 2020

Oct 11, 2023

Gary

Pitt

75

66

69 inches

202 lbs

Uncertain

Male

On a fateful day in early September of 2016, 66-year-old Gary Wayne Pitt was enjoying a boat trip with his son on the Goodpaster River, near Delta Junction, Alaska. The tranquility of their outing was abruptly shattered when their boat collided with a log jam, causing the vessel to take on water. Both men managed to scramble onto the precarious safety of the log jam. However, in a tragic turn of events, Gary slipped and fell into the turbulent river. He was quickly swept away by the current and disappeared from his son's sight. At the time of his disappearance, Gary was wearing Mossy Oak chest waders, black Under Armour thermals, and a two-piece Under Armour coat with a Ridgeline camo pattern. He also had on Sitka Gear gloves and a brimmed camo hat. Immediate search and rescue efforts were launched by the Alaska State Troopers, who were notified of the incident on September 2, 2016. The search was extensive, involving both air and ground teams who scoured the river and its banks for any sign of the missing man. Despite their exhaustive efforts, rescuers were unable to locate Gary Pitt. The remote and rugged Alaskan wilderness, coupled with the challenging conditions of the river, made the search incredibly difficult. The log jam where the incident occurred presented a significant hazard, and the powerful current of the Goodpaster River further complicated the search operations. The days turned into weeks, and with no new leads or sightings, the active search for Gary Pitt was eventually suspended. His case remains open with the Alaska State Troopers. The incident serves as a somber reminder of the inherent dangers of boating in the unpredictable Alaskan backcountry. Gary, an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting and fishing, was deeply cherished by his family. The heartbreaking accident on the Goodpaster River left a void in the lives of his loved ones. The case is an overview of a recreational outing that turned into a tragedy, highlighting the unforgiving nature of the wilderness and the profound loss experienced by a family.

Sep 02, 2016

Delta Junction

Alaska

Southeast Fairbanks Census Area

No

77747

Alaska State Troopers

Anchorage

Alaska

Anchorage Borough

99507

Malia Miller

Missing Persons Clearinghouse Manager

5700 East Tudor Road, Alaska

9072695511

State

Law Enforcement

AK16065286

2016-09-02

Alaska State Troopers

8341

Brown

Hazel

Hazel

07/22/2026