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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vehicle
Lead #1What caused the skiff to capsize? Was there mechanical failure, weather conditions, or another factor?
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evidence
Lead #2What debris was found near Blank Island and does it provide clues about the circumstances?
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person
Lead #3Troy Smart (MP 67091) is also listed as missing in connection with this incident—what is the relationship between these two cases?
Timothy Russell Staples, a 38-year-old Alaska Native male, went missing on February 12, 2017, after leaving Mountain Point boat launch in Ketchikan in a skiff headed to Metlakatla. His vessel was found capsized and unoccupied approximately 100 yards north of Blank Island with debris scattered nearby, suggesting a possible boating accident. The circumstances of his disappearance remain unclear, and investigators continue seeking information about what occurred during his journey across the water.
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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 #4Were there any other vessels or witnesses in the area who may have seen the skiff or observed conditions that day?
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
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2017-02-12
Last Known Contact
Timothy Russell Staples last seen leaving Mountain Point boat launch in a skiff headed to Metlakatla
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2017-02-12
Vessel Discovery
Skiff located 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 16, 2026
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Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 9072695511
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Case Information
Incident:February 12, 2017
Last Updated:June 16, 2026
Have Information?
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 9072695511
You can remain anonymous