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The original was posted on /r/unresolvedmysteries by /u/NorthStarProject on 2024-01-24 02:52:51+00:00.

Hi, my alias is Friendly, I reside in Anchorage Alaska. This was a case covered by a Field Analyst and friend of the North Star Project. I have no idea why AKST or any officials have not updated the information, as this was discovered in August two years ago... But here's an overview of what we've found and what a Field Analyst wrote while he was out there, thank you bridger for risking so much for this:

Crow Pass, Missing Person: Case Report

-FA, "Maketa". N.S.P. (North Star Project)

Background:

A 74-year-old Gary Fisk, Departed on the Crows' pass hike from Girdwood to Eagle river on September 21st, 2021. After a bout of Adverse weather, including snow and high winds, Fisk was never heard from again. Aircraft and mountain rescue crews were unable to locate Fisk or recover a Cadaver. This area is known for avalanches and Blizzards, as are most of the mountains surrounding the Mat-Su Valley during the winter and spring months.

Running theory:

AKST and Rescue crews were unable to locate Mr. Fisk, finding no signs and publishing minimum circumstances regarding his disappearance. However, heavy snowfall likely played a significant role. It was likely causing him to become lost or seek shelter in one of the many Abandoned mines in the area. Trained rescue crews often do not enter Dilapidated mines due to the risk of Poisonous gas, Cave-ins, and/or improperly disposed of ordinances. I and a local guide have Formed the hypothesis that Fisk departed Girdwood, and traveled an Undetermined distance. (will be estimated through interview with AKST) Mr. Fisk was unable to travel further or backtrack due to increasing weather severity, seeking shelter inside the lowest point near his position. Some period of time had passed and an avalanche/or snow had buried the trail or if sheltering in a mine entrance bracing may have failed to cause a cave-in. It is estimated Fisk is likely Deceased due to Exposure and/or starvation

Planned Field Investigation:

Beginning in August 2022, the Investigation will be conducted by Bridger Maketa, Assisted in the field by Nathaniel Caole. Time of departure/ weather conditions and Geological activity will be determined through interviews With AKST, NOAA, and/or Family Members, then be cross-referenced to determine the distance traveled. All Underground cavities in the area will be searched, for signs of Fisk, snow coverage, and/or Recent collapse within the past 2 years. If Mr. Fisk is Located and ID’d, measurements will be taken of Radiation, gas levels, signs of injury, and location. The outcome is to be forwarded to the family, And AKST.

Screenshot Of Location Of Discovery And Paths.

Investigation outcome:

Aug 18th, 2022: our party Departed Girdwood at 12 pm, traveling up the lower and upper trails. Multiple slide locations into thick unsearchable foliage were spotted, as well as one of two accessible mine entrances due to time constraints. There were many places to fall including a large canyon on the southern incline towards the summit, which all locations prior to the summit would make recovery unlikely/implausible. We also encountered record rainfall combined with 60mph+ as we crossed Beaver Glacier. After the descent time had degraded the trail causing us to lose it temporarily. We decided to make camp at the bottom of the valley behind the bluff for wind protection.

Aug 19th, 2022: upon departure, we were unable to progress on the lower valley, upon backtracking to enter the trail, we spotted an aluminum rod deep in the brush, No other items were seen. We Completed the first river crossing with ease, with the water just above our ankles. And continued down the trail, checking low areas where a lost person would be attracted towards. A footbridge over a canyon had damaged railing, if someone fell they would be likely non-recoverable, another location shortly after involved a slippery ledge over the canyon. Upon entering the bushwhacking section of the trail we were hindered by a cow and calf (female Moose with calf), refusing to exit the trail in front of us while traveling through tall grass and thick foliage. In 14 miles with an additional 4 in detours, we arrived upon the bank of Eagle River. We immediately noticed water levels were far higher than typical. Much of the trail to the fjord sight was immersed in ice-cold glacial water causing us to detour along the higher sections of the floodplain. Upon arrival at the fjord sight, we concluded Eagle River was uncrossable. Our choice was either 15 miles of steep muddy slopes followed by a treacherous mountain climb or to attempt to travel south to cross the headwaters of the lake. Upon choosing to travel the shorter path, the trail disappeared replaced by rough terrain and thick foliage. We continued for two miles until we were halfway around the lake. Upon then we found a piece of Grey pants on the ground, we were surprised someone had been there before us, however, 50 feet the terrain was completely impassible, down to the left in an indent, our search took an eventful turn, as we spotted a bright yellow backpack. A floral water bottle was attached outside, while a lighter lay on the ground 3 feet away. We searched the bag for ID, eventually identifying it as belonging to Gary Fisk. Being careful to not disturb evidence we left the bag and all other items in position. Noticeably the backpack had a foam pad yet no sleeping bag, and a bear canister (food storage canister) had teeth marks upon it, however, the yellow bag had not been opened upon discovery. We determined to visually search for a few more minutes, finding a turned-over tree with a can of bear spray, which had a bite taken out of it. 20 ft left from the pant leg.

Upon departure, we spotted tattered red fabric 50 feet above us on the canyon to our western side.

Photograph Of The Discovery Of Fisks' ID

Departure:

The weather quickly declined, resulting in many slips and falls upon our return. Water began flooding the valley, turning most trail sections into flowing streams and deep mud pits. We were determined to return to the summit cabin before dark, due to the danger of climbing at night, and our camping gear/fire-starting kits becoming waterlogged. We kept moving taking minimum breaks to stave off hypothermia making it 10 miles uphill before the first river crossing. Upon a short discussion, we knew our only way was across, as the record flood would continue for weeks. The river had risen to waist height, moving fast enough to send boulders crashing downstream. We found a fjord sight and barely crossed, due to a single trekking pole I became completely wet, and hypothermia quickly set in causing my legs to tense and losing my ability to move.

Aug 20th, 2022: We made an emergency camp, utilizing a bivy bag and wet gear. Mr Caole completed the last 2 miles to the cabin to call for help. I was inside the bivy bag unable to move for 12 hours until ANG Hilo arrived, being airlifted to Providence Anchorage with severe hypothermia.

August 21st, 2022: AKST and S&R crews traveled to the sight but were unable to find any remains or the clothing we found. Only recovering the backpack and bear spray

Deduction:

The location of Gary Fisk’s campsite is Miles ahead of where S&R crews suspected. From the evidence found the story is assumed to be, Gary departed on September 21st, 2021, and traveled down to the rear of the summit as the weather degraded, continuing downhill to avoid deep snow.

Upon reaching the river crossing a day behind in progress, and wet from slush and snow, Gary traveled quicker and lost the trail to the fjord sight and continued to travel south. The terrain was more and more difficult to pass before finally reaching the dead end beside the lake. Garry was fully hypothermic and had no choice but to make camp and attempt to start a fire, however, as evident from the lighter and attempted fire, he was unsuccessful due to either the loss of dexterity or the wetness of the area. It is unknown what happened after this, though it is possible that hypothermia led to the removal of his clothes. Upon hearing about the snowmachines used by S&R crews on the eastern lakeside. Gary either A: climbed up the Cliff to signal for help, Following death by exposure. Or B: Gary attempted to swim across the lake, and the 38-degree water immediately caused Cardiac arrest.

A second theory of the nature of presumed death is, Gary, being stalked by a bear and mauled/Buried. This theory is supported by the numerous black and brown bear populations in the nearby area, his Bear mace being located 50 feet away from the campsite, with multiple punctures to the can, indicative of large teeth. As well as the torn clothes. (as opposed to neatly removed which is more typical of hypothermia)

However, It is more likely a bear was attracted to the Capsacin and removed it from the bag to chew on, and there would have been one or more cadaver remnants from a bear mauling leaving the lack of a body improbable.

NOTE: Please know that we take this seriously and do not mean any of this information to be satire.