The search for Kaitlyn Kaganak, a 28-year-old woman who vanished from the streets of Anchorage earlier this month, has come to a devastating end. For weeks, her family and a dedicated community held onto the slim hope that she might walk through the front door again. Sadly, authorities and family representatives confirmed on December 20th that Kaitlyn has been located, but she is no longer with us. It is the kind of news that stops a community in its tracks, leaving a heavy silence where there used to be urgent calls for help.
Kaitlyn was last seen on December 1, 2025, in the area of Bragaw Street. She was described as a petite woman, standing just 5’2″ and weighing about 115 pounds, with dark hair and striking black eyes. When she first went missing, the Anchorage Police Department issued a “Locate” bulletin, noting that her family had lost all contact with her. As the days turned into weeks, the concern for her well-being grew into a massive search effort fueled by social media and local volunteers.
Throughout this ordeal, Kaitlyn’s name became a symbol of hope for many. Her face was everywhere—on digital posters, shared across Facebook groups, and taped to shop windows. This collective effort showed just how much she was loved, not just by those who knew her personally, but by strangers who simply wanted to see a young woman return home safely. The outpouring of compassion served as a reminder of how tightly a community can knit together when one of its own is in trouble.
But Kaitlyn was much more than a face on a missing person flyer or a case number in a police database. She was a daughter, a friend, and a vital part of her family’s world. Those closest to her remember her for the love she gave and the small, everyday connections she made. Her absence has left a deep, painful void that no amount of time or words can truly fill. She was a person whose life held immense value, and her loss is felt deeply across the city.
In the wake of this discovery, Kaitlyn’s family has made a humble request. They have asked that the public stop sharing her missing person posters. These images, which once served as tools of hope, now serve as painful reminders of a search that ended in tragedy. As the family begins the long and difficult process of grieving, they are asking for the space and privacy to honor Kaitlyn’s memory in their own way.
Despite the tragic outcome, the family has expressed an incredible amount of gratitude. They have been moved by the sheer number of people who prayed for Kaitlyn, shared her story, and offered kindness during their darkest hours. This support has been a pillar of strength for them as they navigate an unimaginable loss. It is clear that while Kaitlyn is gone, the impact she had on the people around her will not be forgotten.
As Anchorage mourns, the focus remains on supporting those Kaitlyn left behind. The community is being asked to surround her family with continued prayers and compassion. While the investigation into the circumstances of her disappearance and death may continue, the immediate priority is helping a grieving family find the strength to stand back up. May Kaitlyn Kaganak be remembered for the light she brought into the lives of others, and may she finally rest in peace.
