In the early summer of 1998, a sense of unease settled over the community of Hoonah, Alaska, when three local men failed to return from a boating trip. On June 5, 1998, 43-year-old Andrew Jackson, along with his companions Lawrence Gray and Larry Sanders, departed from Hoonah in an open skiff. The men, all friends who had grown up together in the small Alaskan town, were headed for Glacier Bay with plans to return to Juneau by June 7, 1998.
When they did not arrive as scheduled, a relative reported them missing on June 9th, prompting the Coast Guard to initiate a search.
The search for the three missing men was extensive, covering the waters and coastline between Hoonah and Juneau. However, despite their efforts, authorities were unable to find any trace of Andrew Jackson, Lawrence Gray, Larry Sanders, or their 17-foot skiff. The hope that the men might be safely on an island, unaware of the search, began to fade as days turned into weeks. Tragically, on June 27, 1998, the body of Larry Sanders was discovered, confirming the grave nature of the situation. The circumstances surrounding the recovery of his body are not detailed in available public information.
The discovery of Larry Sanders' remains brought a devastating blow to the families and the close-knit community of Hoonah. Despite this somber development, the search for Andrew Jackson and Lawrence Gray continued, though it would ultimately prove unsuccessful. The Alaska State Troopers opened a case for the missing men, but with no further leads or discoveries, the investigation grew cold. The disappearance of Andrew Jackson and Lawrence Gray remains an unresolved tragedy, a painful chapter in the history of the small Alaskan town, and a source of unending questions for their loved ones. The case serves as a stark reminder of the unforgiving nature of the Alaskan wilderness and the enduring pain of not knowing the fate of those who are lost.Last Seen: Jun 5, 1998
