21-Year-Old Man Found Dead After He Disappeared While Paddleboarding on Alaska Lake

A 21-year-old student visiting Alaska through the Work and Travel program was found dead after disappearing during a paddleboarding outing on DeLong Lake in Anchorage, authorities said.

The incident happened around 6 p.m. on Sunday, July 27. According to the Anchorage Fire Department, a caller reported that the young man had been missing for about 15 minutes after vanishing while paddleboarding. He was not wearing a life jacket at the time, and his paddleboard was later found in a part of the lake that’s approximately 22 feet deep.

Rescue teams, including divers from the Alaska Dive Search Rescue and Recovery Team, used sonar to locate the body. The victim’s remains were recovered and later transferred to the State Medical Examiner, fire officials said.

The man’s identity has not been released, but KTUU reported he was a Romanian student participating in a summer work program. A friend, Andreea Oprea, wrote on Facebook that the experience in Alaska had “brought him joy and peace.”

“It was a beautiful day that turned tragic,” the Anchorage Fire Department said in a statement. “Sometimes, despite our diligent efforts, not all our incidents have a happy ending.”

Officials urged the public to prioritize safety when enjoying outdoor recreation, emphasizing the importance of wearing life jackets on the water.