Belinda Smith Missing Person Case

Mar 17, 2020

Mar 13, 2024

Belinda

Smith

39

14

48 inches

45 lbs

American Indian / Alaska Native

Female

In the winter of 2000, a 14-year-old girl named Belinda Jessica Margaret Smith disappeared from the area of Nome, Alaska. On December 27th, she and a 15-year-old boy, Garrett Saccheus, set out from the small community of Golovin. They were each riding their own snow machines with the intention of traveling to the nearby village of Elim. At the time of her disappearance, Belinda was described as being four feet tall and weighing approximately 45 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. She was reportedly wearing an orange coat, black snow pants, and white bunny boots. Additionally, she had on a yellow full-face helmet with dark graphics, was wearing glasses, and carried a dark-colored backpack along with a medium-sized black bag that held unwrapped Christmas presents. The journey from Golovin to Elim across the vast and icy landscape of Alaska is one that requires caution and respect for the powerful forces of nature. The primary concern in this case arose when tracks from two snow machines were discovered leading from Golovin out onto the sea ice. Tragically, these tracks ended abruptly at an area of open water, suggesting a devastating accident. This discovery prompted immediate and extensive search efforts in the hope of finding the two teenagers. Despite the comprehensive searches conducted by authorities and local community members, no sign of Belinda or Garrett was ever found. The unforgiving arctic environment can be treacherous, and the evidence of the tracks leading into the water painted a grim picture of their likely fate. The disappearance of two young people under such circumstances sent a wave of sorrow through the close-knit communities of the region. The case remains a painful memory, a stark reminder of the perils of travel in the Alaskan wilderness. The official investigation, led by the Alaska State Troopers, has been unable to provide any further closure for the families of the missing teenagers, leaving their ultimate whereabouts unknown.

Dec 27, 2000

Nome

Alaska

Nome Census Area

No

77161

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

06/30/2026