Tragic Kayaking Accident: Alaska Man Films His Own Drowning on Glacial Lake with GoPro

Tragedy struck in Juneau, Alaska, as a man inadvertently recorded his own drowning on July 11 while kayaking on Mendenhall Lake. Paul Rodriguez Jr., 43, was wearing a GoPro camera mounted on his helmet when his kayak capsized due to a powerful current from the nearby glacier. The recording recovered by Alaska State Troopers showed the harrowing incident unfold, but despite their efforts, Rodriguez’s body has not been found yet. The search for the missing man will continue as teams comb the area around Mendenhall Lake.

Authorities were alerted to the incident after a helmet with a camera, confirmed to belong to Rodriguez, was discovered on the lakeshore and turned in to the troopers. Prior to this discovery, Rodriguez had been reported missing since July 11 in the vicinity of the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area. A vehicle registered to him had been parked in the area, raising concerns about his whereabouts. Described by his son, Jaden Rodriguez, as an outdoors enthusiast and gifted photographer, Paul Rodriguez Jr. was known for his kindness and love for nature. He had a passion for fishing, paddleboarding, and snowboarding, but his life was ultimately cut short in this tragic accident.

As friends and family mourn the loss of Paul Rodriguez Jr., they remember a man who had found solace and purpose in his faith. He had often shared the wisdom that life is short, urging others to make the most of their time. The social media post from July 11, featuring a kayak near Nugget Falls, provided a crucial clue to authorities, who found a similar unattended kayak floating on the lake that same day. As the investigation unfolded, the pieces fell into place, revealing the heartbreaking truth. The community now comes together to support the grieving family, cherishing the memories of a kindhearted man whose life was touched by the beauty of Alaska’s wilderness.

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