Missing man found dead in wooded area near Adair-Kennedy Memorial Park

Oscar Griffin, 25, last seen in area on June 29, was found last Thursday after search by officials; JPD says death not considered suspicious

By Mark Sabbatini

Juneau Independent

This story has been updated with additional information about the search.

A Juneau man last seen leaving his home on the morning of June 29 was found dead last Thursday in a wooded area near Adair-Kennedy Memorial Park, according to the Alaska State Troopers.

Oscar Griffin, 25, was reported missing on the afternoon of July 1 after last being seen leaving his home in the vicinity of the park at about 6 a.m. two days earlier, according to a bulletin issued by the Troopers. A missing persons notice shared on local social media stated he was last seen wearing brown pants, a blue shirt, and a checkered flannel shirt.

Troopers contacted Southeast Alaska Dogs Organized for Ground Search (SEADOGS) "to attempt a scent track from the residence," the bulletin states.

A scent-discriminating dog followed the 40-hour-old track from the home into the woods near Thunder Mountain, but fireworks set off in the area at about 6 p.m. disrupted that effort, according to Kerry Kirkpatrick, a SEADOGS handler participating in the search. The search resumed at 5 a.m. the next day with a second dog who picked up where the first left off.

The Troopers received a call from SEADOGS at about 6:30 a.m., reporting Griffin had been located and was deceased. Austin McDaniel, a spokesperson for the Troopers, said Tuesday that he was found in a wooded area near the 3200 block of Mendenhall Loop Road.

The death does not appear to be suspicious in nature, said Juneau Police Department Deputy Chief Krag Campbell.

• Contact Mark Sabbatini at editor@juneauindependent.com or (907) 957-2306.