On a summer day in Juneau, Alaska, 30-year-old Thomas Frank Votion, Jr. embarked on a jet ski trip on Auke Lake and was never seen again. On June 29, 1987, the young man, known to have brown hair and brown eyes, went out on the water alone. He was reportedly wearing a dark blue neoprene diving-style top and gray pants. Concern grew when he did not return as expected.
Later that evening, the jet ski he had been riding was discovered beached and deserted near the mouth of Auke Nu Creek.
This discovery prompted an immediate search of the area. The U.S. Coast Guard, Alaska State Troopers, and Juneau Mountain Rescue all took part in the extensive search efforts, hoping to find any sign of the missing man. Despite their thorough search, no trace of him was found, and the active search was suspended the following afternoon pending any new leads.
Thomas was described as being 5-foot-9 and weighing approximately 170 pounds, with a distinctive scar on his right hand. The circumstances of his disappearance have remained a mystery for decades, leaving his family and the community without answers. The case is a somber reminder of the dangers that can be present in even the most beautiful natural landscapes. The official investigation into what happened to Thomas Frank Votion, Jr. on that fateful day on Auke Lake remains unresolved, and he is still considered a missing person.Last Seen: Jun 29, 1987
