Authorities have provided new information regarding the disappearance of the Maynard family following a maritime accident where their vessel overturned.
Originally hailing from Texas, the Maynard family vanished in August 2024, leading to several inquiries surrounding their mysterious disappearance.
David and Mary Maynard, along with their sons Colton, 11, and Brantley, seven, were aboard a 28-foot vessel with four additional passengers while vacationing in Alaska to attend a wedding.
Tragically, the boat began to take on water 16 miles off the Alaskan coast, prompting a notification to the US Coast Guard at approximately 7:00 PM on August 3, just before the vessel sank.
The four other passengers successfully evacuated using a life raft and were later discovered by the Coast Guard during a joint search operation with the Alaska State Troopers and several helpful civilian vessels.
However, the Maynard family was not located, and the search efforts were terminated 24 hours later.
The US Coast Guard released a statement about ending the search, stating: “The decision to suspend a search is never easy and involves the careful consideration of many factors including environmental conditions and search operations.
“Our deepest condolences go out to the family, friends, and loved ones of the missing people during this unimaginably difficult time.”
Now, nearly a year later, private investigation groups that have been engaged in ongoing search efforts have shared an update on what likely became of the family.
The submerged vessel was discovered in early May of this year, and divers have recovered three sets of human remains from within.
While official identification is pending, authorities suspect these remains are those of the Maynard family.
Medical examiners are in the process of verifying the identities of the remains, with autopsies yet to be performed.
In the period following the family’s disappearance, a GoFundMe campaign was launched, accumulating over $20,000 in donations.
The fundraiser was initiated by Tanashea Aviles, a close associate who considers the Maynards as ‘family,’ and features a message that reads: “The Maynards are not just friends, they are family to me and a lot of others. By now, a lot of us have heard about the tragic news.
“For those who don’t know, this sweet family of four was lost at sea on their vacation to Alaska. Mary’s parents are still there hoping to bring them home. This family is going through a lot right now. We are asking for prayers and donations if you can, to help with unexpected expenses that the family would have to cover so suddenly.”