A solo hiking trip turned tragic after a 62-year-old Kentucky doctor, Marites Buenafe, disembarked from the Norwegian Bliss in Juneau and never returned. Her body was recovered after an extensive search effort involving multiple agencies and aircraft.
The Solo Expedition Begins
On July 1, Buenafe texted family early in the morning that she was taking the Mount Roberts Tramway up to hike to Gold Ridge and Gastineau Peak. Security footage confirmed her presence at the top station around 7:30 a.m., wearing hiking gear and carrying supplies for the challenging trail. The Norwegian Bliss was scheduled to depart Juneau at 1:30 p.m.. When Buenafe did not return by this time, her relatives alerted local authorities.
Immediate Launch of Multi-Agency Search
By 3:15 p.m., the Juneau Police Department had been notified, prompting immediate search-and-rescue efforts. Organizations involved included:
- Alaska Wildlife Troopers
- U.S. Coast Guard helicopters
- Alaska Army National Guard
- Juneau Mountain Rescue teams
- Private contractor Temsco Helicopters
- K‑9 units and thermal drones
Challenging weather and snow-covered terrain on the trail slowed aerial operations, but ground teams and drones continued combing the rugged mountains
Tragic Discovery on Gold Ridge
On July 3 at 11:56 a.m., an Alaska National Guard helicopter crew located Buenafe’s body about 1,700 feet below Gold Ridge’s ridgeline. Rescue teams, assisted by Temsco Helicopters and National Guard personnel, retrieved her remains and transported them to the state medical examiner’s office for an autopsy.
Who Was Marites Buenafe?
Dr. Buenafe was an experienced primary care physician at UK HealthCare in Lexington, Kentucky. She graduated from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and completed her residency at the Mayo Clinic, with over 20 years in medical practice under her belt. Craving an adventure, she chose a popular yet demanding hiking route via tram and mountain trail—an endeavor she embarked on alone.
Cruise Line Response & Family Support
Norwegian Cruise Line expressed deep sorrow over the loss. A spokesperson stated:
“Our CARE team is providing support to the guest’s family and our thoughts are with them during this difficult time.”
They assisted with local search coordination and family support during the crisis .
Lessons for Outdoor Enthusiasts
This tragedy has prompted safety experts to emphasize the importance of:
- Informing someone of your itinerary and planned return time
- Bringing communication devices (e.g., satellite beacons) when hiking in remote terrain
- Being familiar with trail difficulty, weather conditions, and carrying essentials like food, water, and emergency gear
- Alaska’s mountains can shift from casual to life-threatening rapidly—even on well-trodden paths near tourist attractions.
Final Take
Marites Buenafe’s disappearance and recovery offer a sobering message: popular routes and cruise-ship adventures carry inherent risks. The swift assembly of rescue teams and technological resources underscores the intensity of the response. Yet despite best efforts, remote terrain and unpredictable conditions can overpower even skilled hikers and professionals. To everyone planning solo or day hikes in areas like Juneau, let this tragic incident reinforce the necessity of preparedness and communication. Though this story ended in sorrow, better planning and safety might prevent similar losses in the future.
