Garrett Saccheus Missing Person Case

Mar 17, 2020

Mar 13, 2024

Garrett

Saccheus

38

15

62 inches

140 lbs

American Indian / Alaska Native

Male

In the quiet of a late December day in 2000, 15-year-old Garrett Sheldon Saccheus and a companion, 14-year-old Belinda Smith, embarked on a journey that would leave their families and community with unanswered questions for years to come. On December 27, the two teenagers left Golovin, Alaska, intending to travel to the nearby community of Elim. They were on two separate snow machines, a common mode of transportation in the vast and often unforgiving Alaskan landscape. The pair was last seen on this day, setting out on a trip that should have been a routine ride between neighboring villages. Garrett was an American Indian / Alaska Native male with black hair and brown eyes. He was wearing a blue parka, a green jacket, black snow pants, and bunny boots. He also had a dark-colored bag with extra clothes and was wearing glasses. The circumstances surrounding their disappearance point to a tragic accident. Investigating authorities discovered tracks leading from Golovin out onto the sea ice. These tracks abruptly ended at open water, suggesting the two may have broken through the ice. This discovery painted a grim picture of their possible fate, a scenario all too familiar to those who live and travel in the remote regions of Alaska where the line between solid ground and treacherous water can be thin and ever-shifting. Despite the ominous signs, hope remained for their safe return, and the community held its breath, waiting for any news. Extensive searches of the area were launched in an effort to find Garrett and Belinda. The search efforts, however, were unsuccessful in locating them or any further evidence of what may have transpired. The vastness of the Alaskan wilderness and the harsh conditions of a December search would have presented significant challenges to the search and rescue teams. Over time, the active search was scaled back, but the case remained open. The disappearance of Garrett Saccheus and Belinda Smith left a lasting impact on their communities, a painful reminder of the inherent dangers of the environment and the fragility of life. The overview of the case is one of a journey that began with purpose but ended in mystery, leaving behind only the faintest of clues on a frozen landscape and a void in the hearts of those who knew them.

Dec 27, 2000

Nome

Alaska

Nome Census Area

No

77283

Alaska State Troopers

Anchorage

Alaska

Anchorage Borough

99507

Malia Miller

Missing Persons Clearinghouse Manager

5700 East Tudor Road, Alaska

9072695511

State

Law Enforcement

000085798

2000-12-27

Alaska State Troopers

na

Black

Brown

Brown

06/25/2026