Alaska Department Of Public Safety,State Troopers Public Information Office

Dispatch Text:

On October 29, 2024, at 6:17pm, the Alaska State Troopers were notified of an overdue hunter in the Sitka area. Tad Fujioka, age 50, of Sitka, was reported overdue from a deer hunting trip. On Oct. 30, 2024, Alaska Wildlife Troopers, USCG, and Sitka SAR, conducted land-based searches utilizing three search teams in the remote wooded area that were transported by AWT Patrol Vessel and Sitka SAR vessel.  At approximately 11:30am, search teams located Fujioka’s remains.  Investigation revealed he was the likely victim of a fatal bear mauling. Recovery efforts were made by SAR teams. Next of kin has been notified.