Airman who vanished while kayaking with friends is found dead, AK officials say
The body of a 24-year-old man was recovered about two days after his kayak overturned and he vanished in an Alaska river, officials said.
Christian Diaz, a U.S. airman stationed in South Korea, was kayaking with friends while off-duty during a deployment to Eielson Air Force Base in Fairbanks for an exercise, according to the Fairbanks fire and police departments and Air Force officials.
The friends were on the Chena River near a boat launch when Diaz’s kayak flipped the evening of Friday, June 27, Fairbanks officials said, adding that the airman wasn’t wearing a life jacket.
Multiple agencies helped search for him, and his body was recovered at about 7 p.m. Sunday, June 29, Fairbanks officials said.
“Our heartfelt condolences go out to Christian’s family, friends, and fellow airmen during this incredibly difficult time,” Fairbanks officials said.
This story was originally published June 30, 2025 at 10:04 AM with the headline "Airman who vanished while kayaking with friends is found dead, AK officials say."
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