Nearly a year after a Texas family vanished during a journey to Alaska, authorities have made a chilling discovery in the cold depths of Kachemak Bay — finally offering some answers to a mystery that gripped the nation.
On May 28, 2025, Alaska State Troopers confirmed that the family’s missing boat had been located, along with human remains, bringing a heartbreaking close to a search that had lasted since August 2024.
🛥️ Vanished Without a Trace — Until Now
David Maynard (42), his wife Mary (37), and their two young sons — Colton (11) and Brantley (8) — were last seen launching their vessel near Homer, Alaska. When they failed to return, a large-scale search operation was launched, but no clues emerged — until this spring.
🔍 Cutting-Edge Tech Uncovers the Truth
In April 2025, new life was breathed into the investigation thanks to the involvement of several marine tech organizations — Support Vessels of Alaska, Vision Subsea, and Benthic Geoscience Inc. These groups offered their advanced underwater scanning capabilities to aid in the search.
Using sonar imaging and submersible equipment, divers located the family’s sunken boat nearly 180 feet beneath the surface of Kachemak Bay. Inside the wreck, three sets of human remains were found on May 27 and May 28.
The remains were transported to the State Medical Examiner’s Office for autopsy and positive identification. One family member, believed to be the fourth, remains unaccounted for.
👪 A Family Remembered for Their Love and Spirit
Speaking on behalf of Mary Maynard’s parents, family friend Christi Wells shared that Mary had worked as a traveling nurse, while David ran a lawn care business and took care of their sons. The Maynards were known for their close bond, love of adventure, and zest for life.
A GoFundMe campaign started shortly after their disappearance has raised over $21,000. Organizer Tanashea Aviles wrote:
“The Maynards left a huge imprint on many lives — from the laughter they brought to the love they gave. The void they leave behind is indescribable, but we will honor them by coming together as a family and community.”
⚠️ The Investigation Continues
Though the discovery brings some long-awaited answers, key questions remain. Authorities are still working to determine how the boat came to be submerged and what events led to the tragic outcome.
As investigators delve deeper, the community grieves — yet finds a measure of closure in finally knowing where the Maynards spent their final moments.