JUNEAU, ALASKA: Alaskan kayaker Paul Rodriquez Jr drowned in the glacial waters during a kayaking trip on July 11, accidentally filming his own death. The incident came to light when his kayak was found abandoned on Mendenhall Lake near Mendenhall Glacier. Authorities from the Alaska State Troopers have officially declared that he has died and have notified his relatives. They are looking for his body.
On Monday, July 17, officials recovered a helmet with a Go-Pro camera attached, which was later confirmed to belong to Rodriguez. A thorough review of the video footage from the camera revealed that the 43-year-old kayaker drowned after his kayak overturned, causing him to fall into the freezing waters. Rodriguez was not wearing a personal flotation device or appropriate protective clothing during the kayaking trip. The recording from the Go-Pro camera revealed that the kayak overturned due to a strong current coming from the glacier, which ultimately led to his death, according to the Alaska State Police.
Who was Paul Rodriguez Jr.?
Rodriguez's son, Jaden, fondly described his father as a kindhearted person who loved spending time outdoors, engaging in activities such as fishing, paddleboarding and snowboarding. Rodriguez was also a gifted photographer. Jaden shared that his father's life took a positive turn when he found God, and he often reminded his son that life was short and precious. Rodriguez's love for the outdoors, creativity and strong faith enriched his life, leaving a lasting impact on those who knew him. "He was a good person," Jaden told CBS News.
What happened to Paul Rodriguez Jr.?
On July 11, Alaska State Troopers responded to a report of a kayak found with a dry bag attached at Mendenhall Lake near Mendenhall Glacier. The kayak was discovered unoccupied, and there were no signs of distress in the lake. AST took possession of the items as there were no identifying markings on the kayak. On the evening of July 16, the Juneau Police Department reported that Rodriguez was missing, and his vehicle was found in the Mendenhall Visitors Center parking lot. On July 17, the Alaska Wildlife Troopers, Juneau Mountain Rescue and seadogs were involved in a search operation, combing Mendenhall Lake and shoreline areas. An aerial search was also conducted using a chartered helicopter.
