Details of the Incident & Discovery

Details of the Incident & Discovery

• Timeline:

  • July 1, early morning: Dr. Buenafe disembarked from the Norwegian Bliss, heading to hike the Gold Ridge–Gastineau Peak trail after riding the Mount Roberts Tramway. She texted her family around 7:30 a.m. and was captured on security footage at the tramway summit juneauempire.com+15people.com+15wkyt.com+15.

  • 1:30 p.m.: The cruise ship departed without her, triggering a missing-person report wlky.com+8people.com+8wlky.com+8.

• Search Efforts:
  A vast multi-agency operation unfolded: Alaska Wildlife Troopers, U.S. Coast Guard, Juneau Mountain Rescue, Southeast Alaska Dogs (SEADOGS), helicopter crews, drones, and K‑9 units joined in ksro.com+6people.com+6people.com+6.

• Discovery:
  On July 3 at 11:56 a.m. AK time, an Alaska Army National Guard helicopter located her body about 1,700 feet below the Gold Ridge ridge line lex18.com+10people.com+10alaskasnewssource.com+10. Rescue teams and Temsco Helicopters retrieved the remains, which were then sent for autopsy. Next of kin have been informed apnews.com+2people.com+2wlky.com+2.

Who Dr. Buenafe Was

• A devoted family medicine physician at UK HealthCare in Lexington, Kentucky.

• Over 20 years of experience, a Mayo Clinic-trained graduate from Case Western Reserve University wkyt.com+8people.com+8nypost.com+8.

Community & Cruise Line Response

• Norwegian Cruise Line expressed condolences and confirmed they are assisting the family through their CARE team apnews.com+11people.com+11hometownnewsnow.com+11.

• Alaska State Troopers thanked all participating agencies — including the National Guard, Temsco Helicopters, and Juneau Mountain Rescue — for their critical roles alaskasnewssource.com+12people.com+12apnews.com+12.

Important Safety Reminders

Officials emphasized:

• Always inform someone of your itinerary and expected return time.

• Bring backup communication tools—like satellite devices—especially when cell coverage is unreliable apnews.com+5wymt.com+5alaskasnewssource.com+5.

A Profound Loss

Dr. Buenafe’s sudden and tragic death is a devastating blow—to her family, patients, colleagues, and all who treasured her warm spirit. This loss resonates far beyond her hometown and marks the harsh reality of how swiftly life can change in the wilderness.