INFORMATION RELEASE

*** Updated 07/18/2023 ***

The Public Information Office for the Alaska State Troopers has released the following update regarding the ongoing search for Paul Jose Rodriguez Jr.

Department of Public Safety (alaska.gov)

During the search, a good Samaritan turned over a helmet with a Go-Pro camera attached, it was confirmed to have belonged to Paul Rodriguez. A review of the video determined Rodriguez had drowned on 07/11/2023 when his kayak overturned, and he went into the glacial water. Next of Kin has been notified. Teams will continue to search the lake to recover the body.

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The Juneau Police Department (JPD) and Alaska State Troopers (AST) are attempting to locate 43-year-old Juneau resident Paul Jose Rodriguez Jr., who is believed to have gone missing on 07/11/2023, somewhere in the area of the Mendenhall Glacier.

On 07/16/2023, at about 5:29 p.m., United States Forest Service employees reported that a vehicle had been left in the parking lot of the Mendenhall Visitors Center since 07/11/2023; US Forest Service saw a male, believed to be associated with the vehicle, walking towards the glacier wearing a t-shirt and carrying an ice axe and climbing helmet.

JPD responded to the area and located the vehicle in the parking lot and confirmed the vehicle was registered to 43-year-old Juneau resident Paul Jose Rodriguez Jr. During the initial investigation, JPD learned that Rodriguez was last seen by his roommate on 07/10/2023. Friends reported that Rodriguez made a social media post on 07/11/2023, that showed a kayak on a beach that appears to be near Nugget Falls by the Glacier. JPD notified AST, who began coordinating search efforts in the area. JPD learned that an unattended kayak was found floating on Mendenhall Lake on 07/11/2023, which resembles the kayak from the social media post made by Rodriguez.

AST and SEADOGS are continuing to search the area of Mendenhall Lake, and the Glacier, for Rodriguez. Family members have been notified of the missing person's report.

Paul Rodriguez is described as a 43-year-old male, about 5'9" tall and weighing approximately 150 lbs. A photo of Mr. Rodriguez can be found on the JPD Facebook page, for the post of this press release. Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts is encouraged to contact JPD dispatch at 907-586-0600.