Two Girls Vanished in the Alaskan Forest — 3 Months Later, Hikers Found Tied to a Tree…

.

.

On June 14, 2018, two young women, 22-year-old Haley Ford and 21-year-old Clare Martin, set off on a journey that would lead them into the heart of Alaska’s wild beauty and ultimately into a nightmare. Both students at the University of Washington, they were passionate about ecology and outdoor adventures. With years of hiking experience across the national parks of the Pacific Northwest, Alaska was their dream destination—a land of towering mountains, pristine forests, and the chance to connect deeply with nature.

The girls arrived in Anchorage, excited for a week-long hiking expedition in Chugach State Park, one of the largest and most rugged parks in the United States. Spanning nearly a million acres, it was known for its breathtaking landscapes and unpredictable weather. Before they left, they meticulously packed their gear: a four-season tent, sleeping bags rated for frigid temperatures, a camping stove, ten days’ worth of food, a first aid kit, bear spray, and a GPS navigator loaded with park maps. Confident and well-prepared, they registered at the park entrance, filled out their route form, and set off on the Black Ridge Trail, planning to summit Wolverine Mountain.

For the first three days, everything went according to plan. They sent cheerful messages and photos to friends and family each evening, showcasing their adventures against stunning backdrops of mountains and streams. On June 17, Clare sent her last message to her sister, Emma, stating they were at the summit with minimal cell service. “We’ll camp by the stream. See you in a week,” she wrote, the time stamped at 9:04 PM.

After that, communication abruptly ceased. The following days passed with no text messages, and concern began to grow among their families. By June 22, when the girls were expected to return, they had not shown up. Their parents contacted the park office, where ranger Dan checked the records and found that Haley and Clare had not signed out. Attempts to reach them through their GPS coordinates yielded no response; their devices were either turned off or out of range.

A search and rescue operation was launched on June 23, involving eight rangers and ten volunteers. They followed the girls’ planned route, battling rain, fog, and slippery trails. Traces of their journey were found—fire pits, energy bar wrappers—but there were no signs of the girls themselves. As the search progressed, the conditions worsened, and the team covered the first half of the route in two days.

On June 26, the search party reached the summit of Wolverine Mountain, the last place Clare had sent a message from. They scoured the area and descended to the nearby stream, discovering evidence of a campsite. However, it was as if the girls had vanished without a trace, leaving behind no belongings or indication of where they might have gone.

Despite the extensive search efforts, which included tracking dogs, helicopters, and thermal imaging, no further traces of Haley and Clare were found. The search was officially suspended on July 9, with the case classified as missing persons in the wild. Theories emerged: perhaps the girls had gotten lost, fallen into a ravine, or been attacked by a bear, their bodies consumed or hidden away.

As months passed, their families refused to accept the grim possibility that their daughters were dead. They organized their own search efforts, hired private investigators, and offered a $100,000 reward for information. Flyers were distributed, and appeals were made on social media. Hope lingered, but as time wore on, the reality of the situation began to sink in.

On September 12, 2018, three months after the girls’ disappearance, two Canadian tourists stumbled upon a horrifying scene while hiking an unmarked trail in Chugach State Park, approximately 15 miles from the last known location of Haley and Clare. Drawn by a foul odor, they ventured off the path and discovered a small clearing. There, tied to a spruce tree, were the bodies of two women—naked, emaciated, and in a state of decay.

The sight was shocking. The tourists were paralyzed with horror, unable to comprehend what they had found. The woman screamed, and the man, shaking with fear, called the authorities as soon as they reached a point with cell service. Investigators arrived the next day, cordoning off the area and meticulously documenting the scene. The bodies were carefully retrieved, and forensic experts began their grim work.

Identification proved difficult due to the condition of the bodies, but DNA testing confirmed the victims were indeed Haley Ford and Clare Martin. Autopsies revealed a brutal truth: both had died from ligature strangulation, with additional injuries indicating they had endured significant trauma before their deaths. Clare had a skull fracture, suggesting a violent blow to the head, while Haley bore chemical burns on her skin. Both had multiple rib fractures, indicating they had been severely beaten.

The investigation quickly shifted focus. It was clear this was no random act of violence but a calculated murder. The girls had been held captive, likely tied up and starved for weeks before being killed. The brutality of the crime suggested a deeply disturbed individual, possibly a serial killer who found pleasure in inflicting pain and control over his victims.

Investigators began to compile a list of suspects, focusing on local residents who had access to the park. They identified three primary suspects: Lewis Cannor, a former gamekeeper with a history of violence; Jonathan Green, a military veteran suffering from PTSD and known for his erratic behavior; and Walter Sims, a reclusive hunter with a strange reputation.

Each suspect was interrogated, but none provided concrete evidence linking them to the crime. Lewis was cooperative but evasive, while Jonathan was nervous and fidgety. Walter refused to cooperate altogether, living in isolation and avoiding any contact with authorities. Despite extensive searches of their homes and backgrounds, the investigation yielded no definitive leads.

As the months turned into years, the case grew cold. The families of Haley and Clare were devastated, grappling with their loss while demanding justice. Haley’s mother fell into depression, unable to cope with the grief, while Clare’s father tirelessly campaigned for the investigation to be reopened, believing that the killer was still at large.

The haunting memory of Haley and Clare lingered in the hearts of their loved ones and the community. A memorial plaque was erected on the Black Ridge Trail, honoring their passion for nature and adventure. It read: “In memory of Haley Ford and Clare Martin, who loved these mountains. Walk safely. Come home.”

Despite the passage of time, questions remained unanswered. Who killed them? Why did he choose such a brutal method? Where was he now? Investigators feared that the killer might strike again, but no new cases emerged in the area. The detective who had worked on the case expressed his unease in a farewell interview, stating that the case haunted him, knowing the killer could still be living among them.

Chugach State Park continued to attract tourists, many unaware of the dark history that lay within its depths. Those who were aware took precautions, hiking in groups and staying vigilant. The mystery of Haley Ford and Clare Martin became a chilling reminder of the dangers that lurked in the wilderness, a tragic chapter in the long list of unsolved crimes in America’s vast, untamed landscapes.

And somewhere in the shadows of the Alaskan wilderness, a man who knew the truth remained silent, leaving the families of Haley and Clare to wonder about the fate of their beloved daughters. The forest held its secrets close, while the echoes of their laughter faded into the wind, leaving behind only sorrow and unanswered questions.