
The person at the center of this case
Michael Frank Prieto
Justice for Michael Frank Prieto โ the trail went cold in 1979, but the truth hasn't.
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What condition was the overturned canoe in, and could it indicate the cause of the incident?
Why was the canoe found at Entrance Island when the expedition was planned for Glacier Bay?
Were all of Michael's personal items recovered, or are some still missing?
Michael Frank Prieto, a 23-year-old, disappeared on August 9, 1979, while preparing for a 20-day kayaking expedition in Glacier Bay, Alaska. His overturned canoe and personal items were discovered on a beach at Entrance Island in Swanson Harbor, suggesting a possible water-related incident. Despite decades of investigation by the Alaska State Troopers, the circumstances of his disappearance remain unclear, and anyone with information about his fate is urged to come forward.
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Beyond the top three above โ each detail below could be the thread that pulls this case open.
How long between August 9 and August 25 before the canoe was discovered, and who found it?
Even the smallest detail could be the key to solving this case.
Official wording
NamUs case MP66712. Missing person: Michael Frank Prieto.
Last known contact: 1979-08-09 in Juneau, Juneau, AK. Circumstances: Michael was last heard from on 08/09/1979 prepping for a 20 day excursion in Glacier Bay.
His overturned canoe and personal items were found on the beach at Entrance Island in Swanson Harbor. Demographics: 23 years, Male, White / Caucasian.
Physical description: 5 ft 10 in, 150 lbs, hair: Blond/Strawberry, eyes: Brown. Investigating agency: Alaska State Troopers | LB790004507 | 1979-08-25.
Michael was last heard from on August 9, 1979, while preparing for a 20-day excursion in Glacier Bay.
Michael's overturned canoe and personal items were discovered on the beach at Entrance Island in Swanson Harbor.
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.