Human Remains Discovered in Sunken Boat Bring Closure to Texas Family’s Alaska Tragedy
Alaska search uncovers human remains from Texas family's capsized boat, bringing closure with help from private recovery teams.
Nearly ten months after a Texas family vanished when their boat capsized off the coast of Homer, Alaska, authorities have discovered human remains linked to the tragic accident. The lengthy search began in August 2024, when the U.S. Coast Guard scoured the region for the missing boaters but was forced to suspend its efforts after finding no signs of the victims or their vessel.
David and Mary Maynard, of Troy, Texas, along with their sons—11-year-old Colton and 8-year-old Brantley—were among eight people on a 28-foot aluminum boat when it overturned approximately 16 miles west of Homer. Despite immediate rescue efforts, there was no trace of the family or the other passengers in the initial months following the incident.
Alaska State Troopers recently reported that three private companies—Support Vessels of Alaska, Vision Subsea, and Benthic Geoscience Inc—offered specialized equipment and expertise to assist with the ongoing search. With their help, the teams were able to locate the missing vessel in early May, resting at a depth of 180 feet. Using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV), the group was able to positively identify the sunken boat, observing what appeared to be human remains inside.
Divers have since recovered three sets of remains from within the wreckage. The remains have been sent to the State Medical Examiner’s Office for formal identification and autopsy. Authorities have notified the next of kin about the developments in the case.
The Alaska Wildlife Troopers expressed gratitude to everyone involved in the search and recovery operation. "The Alaska Wildlife Troopers would like to thank Support Vessels of Alaska, Vision Subsea, Benthic Geoscience Inc, and Alaska Dive Search, Rescue, and Recovery Team for their continued assistance," officials stated.
Following the disappearance last year, a GoFundMe page was created, highlighting the impact the Maynard family had on those around them. The campaign described the family as leaving “a huge imprint on many people,” and emphasized the laughter, love, and strong familial bonds they shared with friends and the community.
“It is indescribable the void that will be left behind, but I know if we come together as a family and a community they would know how much they meant to everyone,” the fundraiser post read.
Authorities have not disclosed whether the remains recovered belong to any of the Maynard family members, and the investigation continues as officials work to provide answers to those affected by the loss.
