ANCHOR POINT — Alaska State Troopers have confirmed that human remains recovered from Cook Inlet on Thursday, July 3, are those of David Meyer, a Ninilchik man who went missing last month while kayaking near Whiskey Gulch.
Meyer, 62, was first reported missing on the night of June 11 after he failed to return from a solo fishing trip. He had launched his kayak from the Ninilchik area and was last seen drifting southwest into the inlet. According to initial reports, he was wearing a life jacket at the time he became separated from his vessel.
Alaska Wildlife Troopers and local boaters located Meyer’s kayak that evening, prompting a multi-day search involving aircraft and watercraft from the U.S. Coast Guard and other agencies. Despite extensive efforts, no sign of Meyer was found—until this week.
At 10:30 a.m. on July 3, a fishing charter reported human remains floating in Cook Inlet near Anchor Point. Troopers aboard the P/V Augustine responded and recovered the remains, which were initially unidentifiable and sent to the State Medical Examiner’s Office for confirmation. On Saturday, the Alaska Dive Search, Rescue, and Recovery Team announced that the Medical Examiner had positively identified the body as Meyer.
“We are glad he was located,” the team posted. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his community and family.”
Meyer’s daughter, Chantrelle Meyer, wrote in a public post that her father was a man known for his adventurous spirit, humor, and generosity. “Whether he was casting a line, helping a neighbor, or sharing a laugh around a fire, David lived fully and gave endlessly,” she said.
The family expressed both heartbreak and gratitude in a statement shared on their GoFundMe page. “The past weeks have been filled with fear, unanswered questions, and unimaginable pain. While we are grateful to have found him and have some closure, the grief of losing him is immense.”
As of Sunday, no additional details have been released regarding the cause of death. Troopers say the investigation remains open pending final autopsy results.