Last Updated on May 30, 2025
Tragedy has struck a Texas family on vacation in Alaska. Nearly a year after their boat capsized in Kachemak Bay, the remains of three family members have been recovered from the sunken vessel. This discovery brings a somber conclusion to a prolonged search for the missing Maynards.
Discovery of the Capsized Vessel
- In early May 2025, a collaborative effort by three private companies—Support Vessels of Alaska, Vision Subsea, and Benthic Geoscience Inc.—located the 28-foot aluminum boat.
- The vessel was found approximately 16 miles west of the Homer Spit, submerged under 180 feet of water.
- A remote-operated vehicle was used to identify the boat as the missing vessel.
Recovery of Human Remains
- On May 27 and 28, volunteers from the Alaska Dive, Search, Rescue, and Recovery Team, alongside Alaska Wildlife Troopers, conducted diving operations.
- Three sets of human remains were recovered from the sunken boat.
- The remains have been transported to the state medical examiner’s office for positive identification and autopsies.
- Next of kin have been notified regarding the discovery.
The Missing Family
The missing family members from Troy, Texas, were identified as:
- David Maynard, 42
- Mary Maynard, 37
- Colton Maynard, 11
- Brantley Maynard, 8
Background of the Tragedy
- The family went missing in August 2024 when their boat capsized in Kachemak Bay.
- Eight people were on board the vessel when it began taking on water; four were rescued by a nearby boat after a "mayday" signal was issued.
- The U.S. Coast Guard launched an initial search, which was suspended the following evening after responders failed to locate the family.
- An Alaska jury declared the family deceased in October 2024, months before the boat and remains were found.
Community Impact and Remembrance
- Mary Maynard was a traveling nurse, and David Maynard managed a lawn care business while being a stay-at-home dad.
- Both sons, Colton and Brantley, were active in soccer and baseball.
- A GoFundMe campaign was established to support the family's loved ones, raising over $21,000.
- The community remembers the Maynards for their laughter and warm connections, with tributes pouring in for the family whose journey ended tragically far from home.
Sources:
- Remains of 3 bodies, boat found in bay nearly a year after family went missing, WILX.
- Human Remains Found in Missing Family’s Capsized Boat, The Daily Beast.
- Remains of Missing Texas Family Found in Alaska, Capsized Boat, Hoodline.
- Capsized boat, remains found in Alaska likely belong to missing family, USA Today.
- Missing family's boat found in Alaska waters along with human remains, ABC News.
