Family of 4 from Texas Missing After Boat Capsizes During Alaska Vacation

Mar. 15, 2025

A family of four from Texas remains missing after their boat capsized during their vacation in Alaska.

On Saturday, Aug. 3, David Maynard, 42, and his wife Mary, 37, from Troy, and their two sons, 11-year-old Colton and 7-year-old Brantley, were sailing near the city of Homer when the incident occurred, per theAnchorage Daily News.

The family was on a 28-foot aluminum boat when it started to take on water at around 7 p.m. local time, the U.S. Coast Guard’s public affairs specialist Shannon Kearney confirmed to PEOPLE.

The family had been out with four other people at the time, according to Kearney, who noted that the four other people had been rescued from a life raft after the “Coast Guard issued a radio broadcast to notify local vessels of the situation.”

“The Alaska State Troopers and multiple good Samaritan vessel crews also assisted with search efforts,” Kearney continued. However, the official added that after “nearly 24 hours the Coast Guard made the difficult decision to suspend the search of the four missing people pending the development of new information.”

“The decision to suspend a search is never easy and involves the careful consideration of many factors including environmental conditions and search operations,” Kearney said. “Our deepest condolences go out to the family, friends, and loved ones of the missing people during this unimaginably difficult time.”

The area where the boat started to take in water was approximately 16 miles west of Homer, Kearney confirmed.

Mary and David Maynard and their sons Colton and Brantley.gofundme

gofundme

Per theAssociated Press, U.S. Coast Guard spokesperson Travis Magee said he didn’t have additional information on the four rescued passengers. Magee also said he didn’t have further details on the boat or what caused the vessel to sink, the outlet reported.

TheAnchorage Daily Newscited authorities as stating that waves had been around 2 feet tall and winds were less than 5 knots (6 mph) when the boat capsized.

Christi Wells provided a statement on behalf of Mary Maynard’s parents, which revealed that Mary is a traveling nurse, while David has a lawn care business, theAnchorage Daily Newsstated. They were reportedly visiting family and friends in Alaska.

Wells said that the couple’s sons Colton and Brantley both like to play soccer and baseball.

A stock photo of the Homer Spit in Alaska.Getty

Getty

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

AGoFundMepage set up to help the family with unexpected expenses has so far reached almost $16,000.

“By now, a lot of us have heard about the tragic news. For those who don’t know, this sweet family of four was lost at sea on their vacation to Alaska,” a description stated on the page. “Mary’s parents are still there hoping to bring them home. This family is going through a lot right now.”

“The Maynards left a huge imprint on many people, from the laughter they brought to us, the love and family-oriented connection they provided, It is indescribable the void that will be left behind but I know if we come together as a family and a community they would know how much they meant to everyone,” it added.

source: people.com