Ronald Lamont Missing Person Case

Mar 17, 2020

May 08, 2024

Ronald

Lamont

34

17

66 inches

143 lbs

American Indian / Alaska Native

Male

In the winter of 2009, in the vast and unforgiving landscape of Alaska, 17-year-old Ronald "Rondy" Lamont vanished into the frigid waters of the Yukon River. On the evening of January 14th, he and a friend, 14-year-old Matalena Tinker, were traveling by snow machine from St. Mary's to their home in Pitkas Point. The two high school friends were last seen at approximately 10:15 p.m. When they did not arrive, a search was initiated, and what was discovered painted a grim picture of their fate. A single set of snow machine tracks was found leading to an open lead of water at the confluence of the Andreafski and Yukon Rivers, a place known to be treacherous and having claimed lives in the past. No tracks were seen leading away from the water, and a solitary glove belonging to Lamont was found nearby, a heartbreaking clue to the tragedy that had unfolded. The initial search for the two teenagers was hampered by severe weather, including heavy snow and winds gusting up to 35 mph. Despite the challenging conditions, a dedicated group of 30 to 50 searchers from surrounding communities, including Marshall, Pilot Point, St. Marys, Pitkas Point, and Mountain Village, came together to find the missing teens. As the days turned into a recovery mission, the community's efforts intensified. They employed various methods, including dragging the river bottom with long lines and hooks, and stretching a 300-foot king salmon net across the river in a last-ditch effort to prevent the river from carrying them away. It was a testament to the community's resolve to bring closure to the grieving families. Tragically, on July 31, 2010, the remains of Matalena Tinker were discovered about a mile-and-a-half east of Mountain Village, confirming the devastating outcome of that winter night. Ronald Lamont, however, has never been found. The incident serves as a somber reminder of the unforgiving nature of the Alaskan wilderness, where a journey between neighboring villages can turn perilous in an instant. The disappearance of Ronald Lamont remains an open wound for his family and community, a young life lost to the powerful and icy currents of the Yukon River, leaving behind unanswered questions and a lasting sense of loss.

Jan 14, 2009

St. Marys

Alaska

Kusilvak Census Area

No

77313

Alaska State Troopers

Anchorage

Alaska

Anchorage Borough

99507

Malia Miller

Missing Persons Clearinghouse Manager

5700 East Tudor Road, Alaska

9072695511

State

Law Enforcement

090004140

2009-01-15

Alaska State Troopers

Black

Brown

Brown

No

07/18/2026