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 climbing experience level of both Eli Michel and Nafiun Awal, and were they properly equipped for the West Ridge route?
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location
Lead #2Why were searches of the Moose's Tooth West Ridge area unsuccessful—what terrain and weather challenges complicated recovery efforts?
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evidence
Lead #3Were there any emergency beacons, communication devices, or last known position data from the climbers?
Eli Benjamin Michel, 34, 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 mountaineering expedition, and extensive searches of the area have been unsuccessful. The case remains open as authorities continue to seek information about their whereabouts and circumstances of their disappearance in this remote and challenging alpine terrain.
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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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witness
Lead #4Did any other climbers or park visitors report seeing the two men on or near the West Ridge before they went missing?
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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
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2023-05-07
Investigation initiated
Alaska State Troopers opened case AK23054558 following the disappearance
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Case Information
Incident:May 5, 2023
Last Updated:May 26, 2026
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Phone: 9072695511
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Case Information
Incident:May 5, 2023
Last Updated:May 26, 2026
Have Information?
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 9072695511
You can remain anonymous