In the vast and rugged wilderness of Alaska, a story of loss and enduring mystery began on April 18, 1983. On that day, a 36-year-old man named John James Bakken vanished from the area of Prince of Wales Island. Known to some as J J, John was a Black / African American male, standing at 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighing around 180 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. His last known location was in the remote and sparsely populated Prince of Wales - Hyder Census Area, a region known for its dense forests and sprawling coastlines. The circumstances surrounding the last time anyone saw him are tied to the wild, untamed nature of the land and sea that defines this part of the world.
The official belief is that John Bakken was the victim of a tragic accident. It is thought that he drowned while in a canoe near Naukati Bay, located on the west coast of Prince of Wales Island. The waters in this region can be unforgiving, with strong currents and cold temperatures that can quickly turn a peaceful outing into a perilous situation. The isolation of the area means that if an accident were to occur, help would be far away. There is no information available to the public regarding what he was wearing that day, or if he was with any companions, details that have been lost to time, leaving only the heartbreaking presumption of a life claimed by the sea.
For decades, John Bakken's disappearance has remained an open case with the Alaska State Troopers. The case was formally entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System on March 17, 2020, many years after he was last seen, in an effort to bring new attention to his story. An overview of the case suggests the prevailing theory is that John Bakken tragically lost his life in a canoeing accident in the vicinity of Naukati Bay on Prince of Wales Island. Without a recovery, his family and friends have been left with unanswered questions and the enduring pain of his absence. His story is a solemn reminder of the power of nature and the fragility of life in the face of it.
Last Seen: Apr 18, 1983
