A body found on Oct. 5 was confirmed to be that of Joseph Clayton, seen here, reported missing in August. (Courtesy photo / Juneau Police Department)

A body found on Oct. 5 was confirmed to be that of Joseph Clayton, seen here, reported missing in August. (Courtesy photo / Juneau Police Department)

Body confirmed to be that of missing man

The body was found near the Auke Bay ferry terminal.

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.

More in News

(Juneau Empire file photo)
Aurora forecast for the week of March 18

These forecasts are courtesy of the University of Alaska Fairbanks’ Geophysical Institute… Continue reading

A board in the House Chambers at the Alaska State Capitol shows Monday’s vote tally of 39-20 to override Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s veto of Senate Bill 140, one vote short of the two-thirds necessary. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
Legislature fails by a single vote of 39-20 to override Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s veto of education bill

Legislators warn bad blood may hamper other issues as numerous Republicans abandon earlier support.

With COVID-19 aid, more schools gave students and families experiencing homelessness prepaid cards to buy necessities like groceries and gas. (Justin Sullivan / Getty Images)
Grocery cards and car repairs: How COVID aid changed the way schools can help homeless kids

Juneau student services specialist among those finding creative ways to provide assistance.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
Police calls for Saturay, March 16, 2024

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
Police calls for Friday, March 15, 2024

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

Gov. Mike Dunleavy discusses his veto of a wide-ranging education bill during a press conference Friday at the Alaska State Capitol. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
Veto override vote on education bill expected to have consequences — and no assurance of extra funds

Retaliation by governor, fractured relationships within Legislature on other issues among concerns.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
Police calls for Thursday, March 14, 2024

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

Kaskanak Creek in the Bristol Bay’s Kvichak watershed is seen from the air on Sept. 27, 2011. Threats to the watershed and other sites were cited by the Environmental Protection Agency when it issued a decision barring permitting of the Pebble mine. But the Dunleavy administration and Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd. have taken legal action to try to reverse that decision. (Photo provided by Environmental Protection Agency
State lawsuit claims federal government owes Alaska $700 billion for quashing Pebble mine

The federal government owes Alaska more than $700 billion in compensation for… Continue reading

Tongass National Forest (Photo by U.S. Forest Service)
New Department of Interior opinion promises to recognize expanded tribal jurisdiction in Alaska

Tribes can exert jurisdiction over allotments granted to individual Natives, opinion states.

Most Read