The person at the center of this case
Timothy Russell Staples
Missing Person · Open
9 years waiting · since 2017
Missing Person: Timothy Russell Staples
Justice for Timothy Russell Staples — the trail went cold in 2017, but the truth hasn't.
Start here
Key leads to think about
🚗
vehicle
Lead #1What caused the skiff to capsize? Was there a mechanical failure, weather event, or collision?
🔍
evidence
Lead #2What debris was recovered and does it provide clues about the circumstances of the incident?
👤
person
Lead #3Troy Smart (MP 67091) is also missing in connection with this incident—what is the relationship between the two cases?
Timothy Russell Staples, a 38-year-old Alaska Native male, went missing on February 12, 2017, after departing Mountain Point boat launch in Ketchikan in a skiff bound for Metlakatla. His vessel was discovered capsized and unoccupied approximately 100 yards north of Blank Island, with debris scattered in the area, suggesting a possible maritime accident. The circumstances of his disappearance remain unclear, and his whereabouts are still unknown.
Try asking
Claim this imported case
A one-time $10 claim transfers this imported case workspace to your account. You get 10 uploads for this case, 25 daily AI questions for this case, and public tips with files route to you.
10 uploads25 AI questions/day
This does not start a subscription. When the included limits are reached, the Personal plan unlocks more workspace capacity.
More leads to consider
Beyond the top three above — each detail below could be the thread that pulls this case open.
📍
location
Lead #4Why was Timothy traveling to Metlakatla, and were there witnesses at either the departure or intended destination?
Have information about any of these leads?
Even the smallest detail could be the key to solving this case.
Official wording
Source Narrative
NamUs case MP67054. Missing person: Timothy Russell Staples.
Last known contact: 2017-02-12 in Ketchikan, Ketchikan Gateway, AK. Circumstances: Timothy was last seen leaving Mountain Point boat launch in a skiff headed to Metlakatla.
Skiff was located capsized and unoccupied 100 yards north of Blank Island. Debris was located in the same area.
Also missing is Troy Smart (MP 67091). Demographics: 38 years, Male, American Indian / Alaska Native.
Physical description: 6 ft 1 in, 200 lbs, hair: Brown, eyes: Brown. Clothing and accessories: Clothing: Blue hoodie Black Carhartt overalls.
Investigating agency: Alaska State Troopers | AK17010013 | 2017-02-12.
Timeline of Events
👤
2017-02-12
Last Seen Departing
Timothy Russell Staples last seen leaving Mountain Point boat launch in a skiff headed to Metlakatla
🔍
2017-02-12
Skiff Located Capsized
Skiff was found capsized and unoccupied approximately 100 yards north of Blank Island with debris in the area
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Case Information
Incident:February 12, 2017
Last Updated:June 11, 2026
Have Information?
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 9072695511
You can remain anonymous
Leave a comment
Comments
Case Information
Incident:February 12, 2017
Last Updated:June 11, 2026
Have Information?
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 9072695511
You can remain anonymous