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.
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Key leads to think about
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evidence
Lead #1What caused the skiff to capsize? Was there a mechanical failure, weather event, or collision?
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person
Lead #2Troy Smart is also missing in connection with this incident - what is his relationship to Timothy and what are the circumstances of his disappearance?
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witness
Lead #3Were there any witnesses at Mountain Point boat launch or in the waters between Ketchikan and Metlakatla who observed the skiff or its occupants?
Timothy Russell Staples, a 38-year-old Alaska Native male, disappeared on February 12, 2017, after leaving Mountain Point boat launch in Ketchikan in a skiff headed to Metlakatla. His skiff was found capsized and unoccupied 100 yards north of Blank Island with debris nearby, suggesting a possible boating accident. The case remains unsolved, with another person, Troy Smart, also missing in connection with the incident, and investigators continue seeking information about the circumstances of their disappearance.
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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.
💡
clue
Lead #4What specific debris was found near Blank Island and what does it indicate about the incident?
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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
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2017-02-12
Last Seen Leaving Mountain Point
Timothy Russell Staples was last seen leaving Mountain Point boat launch in a skiff headed to Metlakatla
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2017-02-12
Skiff Found Capsized
Skiff was located capsized and unoccupied 100 yards north of Blank Island with debris in the same area
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Case Information
Incident:February 12, 2017
Last Updated:September 27, 2026
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Phone: 9072695511
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Case Information
Incident:February 12, 2017
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