An earlier version of this story incorrectly identified Hannah Clayton as Joseph Clayton’s sister. She is his daughter-in-law.
The Juneau Police Department confirmed Tuesday that a body found near the Auke Bay ferry terminal last week was that of a man reported missing in August.
The body of Joseph Michael Clayton, 48, has been identified by the Alaska Medical Examiner’s Office after being discovered by a state employee surveying for storm damage on Oct. 5, said Lt. Krag Campbell in a news release.
“Thank you for everybody’s efforts,” said Clayton’s daughter-in-law Hannah Clayton in a phone interview. “A lot of people came out to look and we want to thank the city for their support.”
Clayton was reported missing on Aug. 21 after not returning from a hike near Auke Lake, Campbell said in a news release. Alaska State Troopers and Southeast Alaska Dogs Organized for Ground Search mounted a search, and while some signs of Clayton’s movement through the area were discovered, he was not located. The active search was called off on Aug. 24, and became a missing persons case.
Clayton’s body was located approximately 100 feet from Glacier Highway up a steep embankment, according to Campbell.
• Contact reporter Michael S. Lockett at (757) 621-1197 or mlockett@juneauempire.com.
