Judson Lanier Missing Person Case

Mar 17, 2020

Apr 29, 2024

Judson

Lanier

85

59

69 inches

155 lbs

White / Caucasian

Male

On a day that marked the beginning of a new millennium, January 1, 2000, 59-year-old Judson Lanier, a male with brown hair and blue eyes, was with a group of friends for a dive in the cold Alaskan waters. The group of seven, including Judson, went diving in Smitty's Cove in Whittier, located within the Kenai Peninsula Borough. At the conclusion of their dive, the other six divers made their way back to their vehicles. It was then that they realized Judson had not returned to his own vehicle as expected. A sense of unease grew among the group when they noticed dive lights and glow sticks floating out from the harbor. This discovery prompted an immediate search of the area in hopes of finding their friend. Judson was last seen wearing a black dive suit with a matching hood and gloves. He was also equipped with a yellow dive tank and a black buoyancy control device. Despite the efforts of those present, and subsequent official searches, there was no sign of Judson Lanier. The initial searches for Judson were unsuccessful in locating him, and the circumstances surrounding his disappearance remain unclear. The Alaska State Troopers in Anchorage were assigned to the case, but the years have passed without any resolution. The vast and challenging environment of the Alaskan waters where he was last seen presented significant obstacles to search and rescue efforts. The case is a somber reminder of the unforgiving nature of the wilderness and the heartbreak that accompanies an unresolved loss for families and friends. An overview of this case reflects a sudden and mysterious disappearance during a recreational activity, leaving behind unanswered questions and an enduring sense of uncertainty.

Jan 01, 2000

Whittier

Alaska

No

77425

Alaska State Troopers

Anchorage

Alaska

Anchorage Borough

99507

Malia Miller

Missing Persons Clearinghouse Manager

5700 East Tudor Road, Alaska

9072695511

State

Law Enforcement

000000098

2000-01-01

Alaska State Troopers

8742

Brown

Blue

Blue

07/29/2026