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Case Description

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Summary based on the NamUs case record (MP67014) and 2 other sources
On a spring day in May of 1981, 29-year-old Paul Daniel Todesco was with Rob Garrett in Seward, Alaska. The two men were on Kenai Lake near Porcupine Island when they were involved in a boating accident. An exact date for this incident has not been publicly released, making the sequence of events somewhat vague. At the time of his disappearance, Paul was described as a white male, standing at 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighing approximately 195 pounds. He had brown, medium-long hair and brown eyes. A notable characteristic was a scar on his right arm. The clothing he was last seen wearing consisted of blue jeans, a black and red checkered coat, and Nike running shoes.

Following the boating accident, a search of the area was initiated. While the boat, its motor, and a backpack were recovered, there was unfortunately no sign of Paul Todesco or Rob Garrett. The Alaska State Troopers were the investigating agency for this case, with a report being filed the day after the incident is believed to have occurred. Despite the efforts of search teams, the vast and challenging Alaskan wilderness yielded no further clues as to the whereabouts of the two men. The unforgiving nature of Kenai Lake and the surrounding terrain likely presented significant obstacles to the search and recovery operations.

The disappearance of Paul Daniel Todesco and Rob Garrett has left a lasting void for their families and friends. With no further evidence or leads discovered since the initial search, their case has grown cold over the decades. The lack of resolution has meant that their loved ones have had to endure the profound pain of not knowing what truly happened on that day in May 1981. The case serves as a somber reminder of the inherent dangers of boating, especially in the unpredictable and often treacherous waters of Alaska. The overview of this case is one of a tragic accident followed by an unsuccessful search, leaving behind a painful and enduring mystery.

Last Seen: May 20, 1981

Links to Additional Sources (2)

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Possible Unidentified Matches (1)

Unidentified remains cases whose details are consistent with this person, ranked by how closely they compare. Fields that are unknown in either case are left out of the score.

75%Possible
John Doe — Anchorage, Alaska - unidentified case UP7280
John Doe — Anchorage, Alaska
UP7280 • Found Aug 16, 2001
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 45–49 vs 29 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 82%77 mi away, same state
TimingFound 20 years after last seen
Height 100%5'10" vs 5'11"
Hair 70%Gray vs Brown

These comparisons are generated automatically from public NamUs case data and are not confirmed identifications. Only DNA, dental or fingerprint comparison by investigators can confirm an identity. If you believe two cases are connected, contact the agency handling the unidentified case.

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