More Than 20,000 People Have Mysteriously Vanished From the Alaska Triangle

By Ben Campbell · February 6, 2024 · 3 min read

A view of The Triumvirate Glacier in Alaska from a helicopter with mountains in the background — Source: Roger Hutchings/Getty Images

Alaska is America's last frontier of untouched natural beauty. The state has over 600,000 square miles of territory comprised of thick forests, rocky shorelines, and snow-covered mountains that attracts visitors from around the globe.

Yet, this sometimes unforgiving terrain has led to the mysterious disappearance of tens of thosuands of people over the past century, in a region now referred to as the Alaska Triangle.

Strange Disappearances in Mysterious Region

A small red plane rests on the Agulowak River in Southwestern Alaska — Source: Clark Mishler/Getty Images

Alaska is a stunning reminder of the power possessed by Mother Nature. Its scenery attracts tourists from around the world who want to experience the state's natural beauty for themselves.

But alarm bells are beginning to ring, as thousands of people have gone missing under mysterious circumstances since the late '80s.

The Alaska Triangle

Aerial view of the Alaskan city of Utqiagvik — Source: Wikipedia

A section of the state, which begins in the northern city of Utqiagvik and extends through Anchorage to the region of Juneau in the southeast, has been the center of the disappearances.

Now referred to as The Alaska Triangle, reports claim since 1988, an estimated 20,000 have vanished into thin air, never to be seen or heard of again.

People Vanish in Alaska

Visibly upset woman turns away from her husband after sharing news of a missing relative — Source: Freepik

With so many mysterious disappearances, the area has been dubbed the Alaska Triangle in reference to the Bermuda Triangle. The area in the Atlantic Ocean has also witnessed the disappearance of many people over the years.

However, the northern state’s disappearances remain mysterious due to circumstances surrounding those who vanished. Some were experienced hikers and mountaineers, yet the most famous of all was a military plane that disappeared in 1950.

U.S. Air Force Plane Goes Missing

A small plane photographed during mid-flight as it passes a collection of clouds — Source: Freepik

A U.S. Air Force plane left a runway in Anchorage, Alaska, and was set to travel to Minnesota with its eight crew members, three engineers, and 34 other passengers.

Shortly after takeoff, the Douglas C-54 Skymaster communication system went dark, and the aircraft never landed in Minnesota. Even though a search party of 75 planes was organized, neither the crew nor the aircraft were ever seen again.

Congressman Vanishes Alongside Plane

Four jets fly through a blue sky — Source: Public Domain

The story of missing U.S Reps. Hale Boggs and Nick Begich takes place in 1972.

During mid-fall, they had planned to fly to Juneau on a small plane, yet it would never reach its destination. After a 39-day search and rescue mission was carried out, neither the bodies nor the aircraft could be located.

Travelling Nurse Falls Victim to Triangle

A male nurse dressed in blue scrubs stops to have his photograph taken — Source: Freepik

Thomas Anthony Nuzzi worked as a traveling nurse throughout Alsaka. He had been staying in Anchorage during an assignment when he didn’t appear for a shift in June 2001 and was later reported missing.

Nuzzi was last seen buying snacks and cigarettes at a local gas station. His vehicle was later found 12 miles outside of the city, and he was never heard from again.

Shanna Oman Reported Missing

Blue police lights mounted on top of a police car — Source: Pexaby/Pexels

After visiting a friend in Fairbanks in June 2019, Shanna Oman was later declared missing after her roommate reported she never returned home that evening.

While her cell phone pinged a tower the day after her disappearance, after an extensive search organized by local police accompanied by sniffer dogs, unfortunately, she was never found.

Lost in the Woods

A man wanders through a forest as the sun begins to set — Source: Freepik

In August 2020, Frank Minano was in the heart of the Alaska Triangle, around 60 miles west of Fairbanks, when he was reported missing.

According to his family, they believe he lost his way after hiking in the woods. While Minano was an experienced wilderness adventurer, he was never heard of again.

Theories on What Exactly Happened

A thick forest full of large trees is pictured below thick fog — Source: Freepik

Over the past few decades, numerous theories have been proposed in an attempt to explain the unusual disappearances.

In general, the disappearances are attributed to the state's unforgiving landscape. Harsh weather can make navigation through the forests impossible during certain times of the year.

Unforgiving Rivers and Glaciers

A giant river slows down a mountainous region flanked on either side by snow-covered forests — Source: Freepik

Other postulates its swift rivers and deep glaciers can swallow up unsuspecting victims in seconds. Avalanches can also appear without warning.

Almost all agree that even the most experienced hikers and trekkers can be caught off guard in the region due to unforeseen encounters with Mother Nature.

Indigenous Groups Speak of Supernatural Explanation

Woman dressed in a golden headdress holds a white crystal ball — Source: Freepik

There is a final theory often brought forth by Native American groups living in and around the Alaska Triangle.

Many speak of an energy vortex within the triangle, similar to that theorized in Bermuda. Meanwhile, other indigenous peoples talk of spirits and harmful creatures that hunt those lost in the wilderness.