Virgil Mac Arther Napier, Sr. was 36 when he was last seen on July 2, 1979, in the Glennallen area of Alaska. His last known location was on the Copper River near O’Brien Creek; an official report was filed that same day with the Alaska State Troopers, Glennallen AST Enforcement, and his case is cataloged as number 790004848.

The Copper River’s strong currents, glacial silt that makes the water murky, floating ice and large boulders are all noted obstacles that complicated searches. Those environmental conditions are a central feature of why traces of his whereabouts have been difficult to recover. More than four decades have passed and he remains listed as a missing person by the Alaska Department of Public Safety.

Few details are available about the circumstances leading up to his disappearance, and the lack of resolution has had a lasting effect on his family and friends. If anyone saw Virgil Napier, Sr. around Glennallen or on the Copper River in July 1979, please share what is known.