Homer man goes missing during camping trip on the Kenai Peninsula

A Homer man has been missing for nearly a week after the discovery of his gear on a trail in the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, troopers said.

On April 22, 39-year-old Michael Crawford sent a text message, and no one has heard from him since.

Troopers were notified the next day that a loose dog was found with hiking poles and a backpack along Hidden Creek Trail, near where the Kenai River runs into Skilak Lake. Alaska State Troopers and U.S. Fish and Wildlife officers visited the area Friday and found that Crawford was not with his vehicle or camper at the trailhead, according to an online statement.

Troopers, fish and wildlife officers, park rangers, the Alaska Dive Team, and friends and family of Crawford began to search the area on the ground and with planes and a helicopter, troopers said.

Crawford had not been found as of Tuesday but the search will continue on the upper end of Skilak Lake as the ice clears, said Tim DeSpain, a spokesman for the troopers.

“The public can keep a watchful eye open while recreating in that area for any signs of Crawford,” DeSpain said.

Crawford has brown hair and eyes, is about 6 feet tall and weighs about 215 pounds. Anyone who may have been in contact with him is asked to call the trooper’s office in Soldotna at 907-262-4453.

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