Man believed to be Portland hiker found dead near Ketchikan's Deer Mountain Trail

Heath Didier, 49, of Portland called Alaska State Troopers at 9:37 p.m. on June 14, 2026, to report he was lost near the Deer Mountain Trail outside Ketchikan, cold and without food, water, or proper gear. Dispatch lost contact with him at 10:24 p.m.

The Ketchikan Volunteer Rescue Squad accepted the mission and searched on foot from the Silvis Lake Trail. They were unable to locate him.

On June 15, searchers returned by contracted helicopter starting at 9:40 a.m. A man believed to be Didier was found deceased, partially submerged in water at the bottom of a cliff. Next of kin have been notified.

Site safety concerns prevented recovery on June 15. Crews planned to return June 16 to recover the body.

Troopers have not released a cause of death. The investigation remains open.