Authorities reported the discovery of a missing 62-year-old Kentucky doctor, Marites Buenafe, who was found dead after hiking in Alaska. Her body was located approximately 1,700 feet below the ridge line of Gold Ridge by an Alaska Army National Guard helicopter crew on Thursday, July 3.
Buenafe, a family medicine physician affiliated with the University of Kentucky HealthCare system in Lexington, was traveling solo on the Norwegian Bliss cruise ship. She left the ship on the morning of July 1, 2025, for a hike in Juneau, Alaska. At 7:30 a.m. local time, she sent a text to her family mentioning her plan to take the Mount Roberts Tramway and hike from Gold Ridge to Gastineau Peak.
Surveillance footage captured Buenafe at the top of the Mount Roberts Tramway around the time she sent her last message. Despite the Norwegian Bliss’s scheduled departure from Juneau at 1:30 p.m., Buenafe did not return by the designated time.
Her family reported her missing to authorities at around 3:15 p.m. when she failed to return to the cruise ship. The Alaska State Troopers were alerted, prompting an immediate search operation.
The search, spanning three days, involved several agencies and resources. Juneau Mountain Rescue carried out ground searches and utilized thermal drones to cover the terrain. Alaska Wildlife Troopers and U.S. Coast Guard helicopters conducted aerial surveys. On July 2, over a dozen volunteers from Juneau Mountain Rescue and SEADOGS coordinated with state troopers and Juneau police using drones, K-9 units, and ground teams.
Adverse weather on July 2 restricted helicopter searches, with low visibility and rain affecting operations. The search resumed on July 3 when conditions improved, allowing for extensive aerial exploration.
At 11:56 a.m. local time on July 3, an Alaska Army National Guard helicopter crew located Buenafe’s body beneath the ridge line of Gold Ridge. Her body was recovered by state troopers and Juneau Mountain Rescue with support from Temsco Helicopters and the National Guard. Her family was informed, and her remains were sent to the state medical examiner’s office for an autopsy.
The trail from Gold Ridge to Gastineau Peak is noted as a challenging 4.1-mile route, requiring about three hours to complete. The area is characterized by rugged terrain and some snow coverage in July.
Buenafe, a graduate of Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Ohio, completed her residency in family medicine at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. With over 20 years of medical experience, she served at Albert B. Chandler Hospital, as per the University of Kentucky HealthCare system’s website.
The Mount Roberts Tramway, a popular attraction in Juneau, offers access to trails with views over the downtown area. It is frequented by cruise passengers due to its convenient location and scenic vistas.
Norwegian Cruise Line confirmed collaboration with local authorities during the search. A company spokesperson expressed, “deeply saddened to learn of the passing of the guest.” Their CARE team offered support to Buenafe’s family.
The Norwegian Bliss was on a week-long round-trip cruise of Alaska, departing from Seattle on Saturday, June 28, 2025. Juneau was the third stop, with additional ports in Alaska and Canada before returning to Seattle.
Officials from the Alaska Department of Public Safety stressed the importance of backcountry hiking safety. They advise hikers to inform someone of their route and expected return, and to carry communication devices in areas with limited cell coverage.
