KY doctor missing in Alaska after failing to return to cruise ship

Police are searching for a Kentucky doctor who went missing after hiking in Juneau, Alaska.

Marites Buenafe, 62, was last seen July 1 heading up Mount Roberts Tramway, planning to hike the Gold Ridge to Gastineau Peak, according to the Alaska State Police.

Buenafe was reported missing a day after her birthday when she did not return to her cruise ship, the Norwegian Bliss.

Security footage showed her at the top of Mount Roberts Tramway. However, state police said searches of the area have been unsuccessful.

Buenafe practices family medicine at the University of Kentucky, according to their website.

Buenafe is 5 feet tall and weighs 118 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes, troopers said.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Alaska State Troopers in Juneau at 907-465-4000 and reference incident AK25063914.

This story was originally published July 3, 2025 at 5:26 PM.

Taylor Six

Lexington Herald-Leader

Taylor Six is the criminal justice reporter at the Herald-Leader. She was born and raised in Lexington attending Lafayette High School. She graduated from Eastern Kentucky University in 2018 with a degree in journalism. She previously worked as the government reporter for the Richmond Register.