A body found in the water on Thursday has been identified as that of a man missing since late October 2021, police announced.
The body of Clifford John K. White, 29, who was reported missing on Oct. 31, 2021, was found in the water near Sunny Drive on March 10, according to police. At the time, authorities were unable to identify the body.
“On Oct. 31 2021 my uncle Mark White made a missing person report to JPD for his son Clifford White, 29, who had hadn’t been seen or heard from since Oct. 12,” said the missing man’s cousin Davina Merchant in a phone interview. “It was completely unlike him.”
The body was sent to the Alaska Medical Examiner’s office, which confirmed the identity, according to police. The office is continuing to investigate, as it determines the cause of death.
“On behalf of the family we would like to thank the community that helped search for my cousin,” Merchant said. “We appreciate the help and support. There were so many that were out looking for him on the daily just like I did.”
White was reported missing after being out of contact for several weeks, the Empire previously reported. His last confirmed location was in Switzer Village.
“It’s extremely hard knowing that he’s gone. It’s been a long five months searching for him,” Merchant said. “I wish this was a bad dream. I wish I could run into him and give him a big hug or see the big smile had.”
Anyone with information about the circumstances of White’s disappearance is asked to contact the Juneau Police Department at (907)586-0600, Campbell said, or to submit an anonymous tip at juneaucrimeline.com.
“I would love to meet whoever found him and personally thank them,” Merchant said.
• Contact reporter Michael S. Lockett at (757) 621-1197 or mlockett@juneauempire.com.
