CRUISE HIKE TRAGEDY: Body of Missing Passenger Found Near Juneau, Alaska Trail

REPORT: Search and rescue crews recovered the body of a missing cruise ship passenger who failed to return from a hike near Mount Roberts in Juneau.

A 62-year-old solo cruiser who vanished during a Mount Roberts shore excursion was discovered dead after a three-day search, spotlighting the risks of hiking Alaska’s rugged backcountry alone.

Search crews in Juneau have recovered the body of a cruise passenger who failed to re-board her ship after setting out on a solo hike above the Mount Roberts Tramway.

According to media reports, Alaska State Troopers say the traveler texted family around 7:30 a.m. on July 1 before heading toward the Gold Ridge and Gastineau Peak route. When the vessel’s 1:30 p.m. all-aboard time passed with no sign of her, troopers were alerted and an intensive ground-and-air effort began.

• Aerial teams from the U.S. Coast Guard and Alaska Wildlife Troopers canvassed the ridgelines, while Juneau Mountain Rescue deployed drones, K-9 units and professional volunteers.
• Rugged weather forced crews to pause flight operations overnight, but searchers pushed on with foot teams and thermal imaging.
• Late on July 4, rescuers located the woman’s remains just off a popular spur near the main trail; officials say no foul play is suspected pending autopsy results.

Authorities are urging visitors to file detailed hiking plans, carry satellite communicators and respect rapidly changing alpine conditions that can turn a routine outing deadly.

For More Information

• Alaska’s News Source: Video of recovery operation and press briefing
• PEOPLE: Background on the passenger’s disappearance
• CBS News: Timeline of the multi-day search effort

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