The person at the center of this case
Eli Benjamin Michel
Missing Person · Open
3 years waiting · since 2023
Missing Person: Eli Benjamin Michel
Justice for Eli Benjamin Michel — the trail went cold in 2023, but the truth hasn't.
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Key leads to think about
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person
Lead #1What was the condition and experience level of both climbers, and were they properly equipped for the West Ridge route?
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evidence
Lead #2What search efforts were conducted and what terrain or weather conditions may have hindered recovery operations?
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witness
Lead #3Were there any other climbers or park visitors in the area who may have observed the two men or their activities?
Eli Benjamin Michel, a 34-year-old mountaineer, went missing on May 5, 2023, while attempting to summit the West Ridge of Moose's Tooth in Denali National Park, Alaska, alongside climbing partner Nafiun Awal. Both men disappeared during their expedition and extensive searches of the area have not located them. The case remains unsolved, and information about what occurred on the mountain or the climbers' current whereabouts is still being sought.
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More leads to consider
Beyond the top three above — each detail below could be the thread that pulls this case open.
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clue
Lead #4What specific circumstances led to the decision to attempt this particular route, and were there any communication protocols established with others?
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Even the smallest detail could be the key to solving this case.
Official wording
Source Narrative
NamUs case MP104177. Missing person: Eli Benjamin Michel.
Last known contact: 2023-05-05 in Denali Park, Denali, AK. Circumstances: Eli and Nafiun Awal (MP104176) are both missing after they attempted to summit the West Ridge of Moose's Tooth in Denali National Park.
Searches of the area have been unsuccessful in finding them. Demographics: 34 years, Male, White / Caucasian.
Physical description: 5 ft 6 in, 145 lbs, hair: Brown, eyes: Brown. Investigating agency: Alaska State Troopers | AK23054558 | 2023-05-07.
Timeline of Events
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2023-05-05
Last known contact
Eli Benjamin Michel and Nafiun Awal last contacted while attempting to summit the West Ridge of Moose's Tooth in Denali National Park
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Case Information
Incident:May 5, 2023
Last Updated:September 27, 2026
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Phone: 9072695511
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Case Information
Incident:May 5, 2023
Last Updated:September 27, 2026
Have Information?
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 9072695511
You can remain anonymous