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AK26055524
Dispatch Text:
Update: On June 16, 2026, Didier's body was recovered and transported to the State Medical Examiner's Office for autopsy.
On June 14, 2026, at 9:37 pm, the Alaska State Troopers received a notification from 49-year-old Portland, Oregon resident Heath Didier that he was lost in the area of the Deer Mountain Trail. He reported that he was lost, cold, and not equipped with water, food, proper clothing, or other survival gear. Dispatch last received communication from Didier at 10:24 pm, June 14. The Ketchikan Volunteer Rescue Squad (KVRS) was contacted and accepted the mission to locate Didier. KVRS initiated their search from the Silvis Lake Trail. They were unable to locate him on foot.
On June 15, 2026, starting at 9:40 am, KVRS utilized a contracted helicopter to search the area of Didier’s last known location. An adult male believed to be Didier was found deceased, partially submerged in water at the bottom of a cliff. Crews were unable to safely recover the body today and are planning on returning on June 16 to recover the body. Next of kin have been notified.
Posted on 6/15/2026 12:05:45 PM by DPS\jfreeman1
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