The person at the center of this case
Vern Stephen Pratt
Missing Person · Unsolved
64 years waiting · since 1961
Missing Person: Vern Stephen Pratt
Justice for Vern Stephen Pratt — the trail went cold in 1961, but the truth hasn't.
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Key leads to think about
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evidence
Lead #1What happened to Vern between 10:30 p.m. on November 6th and 9:00 a.m. on November 7th? Did he leave the vehicle on foot or was he removed by someone else?
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witness
Lead #2The witness who found Vern in the ditch—did they provide additional details about his condition, injuries, or any vehicles or people near the scene?
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location
Lead #3The ditch near Portage Bar—was it searched thoroughly for evidence, clothing, or signs of struggle?
Vern Stephen Pratt, a 22-year-old Alaska Native male, disappeared in Anchorage on November 6-7, 1961, after being involved in a hit-and-run accident. A witness found him intoxicated and asleep in his vehicle in a ditch near the Portage Bar late on November 6th, but when the witness returned the next morning, Vern was gone. The circumstances of his disappearance remain unclear, and investigators have not determined whether he left voluntarily, was injured, or met with foul play.
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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 #4Was the hit-and-run accident Vern was involved in ever resolved, and could it be connected to his disappearance?
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 MP91379. Missing person: Vern Stephen Pratt.
Last known contact: 1961-11-06 in Anchorage, Anchorage, AK. Circumstances: Vern was involved in a hit and run accident in Anchorage on the evening of 11/06/1961.
A witness reported that Vern was seen in his vehicle in the ditch near the Portage Bar on 11/06/1961 between 10:00 and 10:30 p.m. on 11/06/1961.
He appeared to be intoxicated and laid down in the front seat of his vehicle and apparently went to sleep. At approximately 9:00 a.m.
on 11/07/1961, the witness saw the vehicle still in the ditch, but Vern was no longer in it. Demographics: 22 years, Male, American Indian / Alaska Native.
Physical description: 5 ft 10 in, 155 lbs, hair: Black, eyes: Black. Clothing and accessories: Accessories: Tie; Clothing: Charcoal colored slacks White shirt Light gray wool jacket with knit collar and knit cuffs; Footwear: Low cut black shoes.
Investigating agency: Alaska State Troopers | AK22053972 | 1961-11-08.
Timeline of Events
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1961-11-06
22:00-22:30Witness observes Vern in vehicle
Witness reported seeing Vern intoxicated and asleep in his vehicle in a ditch near Portage Bar between 10:00 and 10:30 p.m.
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1961-11-07
09:00Vehicle found empty
Witness returned to the location at approximately 9:00 a.m. and found the vehicle still in the ditch, but Vern was no longer present.
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1961-11-08
Case reported to authorities
Alaska State Troopers opened investigation case AK22053972.
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Case Information
Incident:November 6, 1961 at 8:30 PM
Last Updated:May 25, 2026
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Case Information
Incident:November 6, 1961 at 8:30 PM
Last Updated:May 25, 2026
Have Information?
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 9072695511
You can remain anonymous