News Summary
Marites Buenafe, a 62-year-old family medicine physician from Kentucky, was found dead in Juneau, Alaska, after going missing during a hiking trip. Buenafe was last seen on July 1, 2025, when she planned to hike from Gold Ridge to Gastineau Peak. Despite extensive search efforts by multiple agencies, her body was recovered on July 3, 2025. This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the dangers of hiking in unfamiliar terrains.
Juneau, Alaska – Body of Missing Kentucky Physician Found After Hiking Accident
The body of Marites Buenafe, a 62-year-old family medicine physician from Kentucky, was recovered on July 3, 2025, following her disappearance while hiking in Juneau, Alaska. An Alaska Army National Guard helicopter crew located her body approximately 1,700 feet below the ridge line of Gold Ridge.
Buenafe was reported missing on July 1, 2025, after she did not return to the Norwegian Bliss cruise ship, which was scheduled to depart at 1:30 p.m. that day. Her last communication with her family occurred at 7:30 a.m., when she informed them of her plans to hike from Gold Ridge to Gastineau Peak after taking the Mount Roberts Tramway. Security footage corroborated her departure from the tramway at the time indicated.
The Juneau Police Department was alerted to her disappearance around 3:18 p.m. on July 1, prompting extensive search efforts. Multiple organizations, including Juneau Mountain Rescue, Alaska Wildlife Troopers, and the U.S. Coast Guard, engaged in search operations. Efforts were hampered by inclement weather conditions, such as overcast skies and rain, which limited aerial reconnaissance. Ground searches involved more than a dozen professional volunteers, police officers, state troopers, and K-9 units but initially yielded no clues regarding her whereabouts.
Following the recovery of Buenafe’s body, authorities have notified her next of kin, and her body is being sent to the state medical examiner’s office for an autopsy to determine the cause of death.
Background on Marites Buenafe
Marites Buenafe was an experienced physician who had dedicated over 20 years to medical practice. She was affiliated with the University of Kentucky Albert Chandler Hospital and University Health Services for students, where she was known for her commitment to her patients and the medical community.
Her unexpected disappearance during a leisure trip has deeply affected her family, friends, and colleagues, who have expressed their grief and concern throughout the search efforts. The Juneau community, along with various rescue teams, came together in hopes of finding her safe.
This tragic incident highlights the risks associated with hiking in unfamiliar terrains, especially for individuals who may underestimate the challenges presented by nature. Buenafe’s case serves as a reminder to hikers to thoroughly prepare for outdoor activities, including understanding the terrain, weather forecasts, and potential hazards.
As authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Buenafe’s death, they encourage outdoor enthusiasts to prioritize safety and caution during their excursions in Alaska’s rugged wilderness.
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Additional Resources
- CBS News: Missing Doctor in Alaska
- Wikipedia: Hiking
- Your Alaska Link: Missing Juneau Hiker
- Google Search: Marites Buenafe Missing Doctor
- Fox 56 News: Kentucky Doctor Vanishes
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Alaska
- Juneau Empire: Search for Cruise Passenger
- Google News: Juneau Alaska Hiking Accident
