Numerous family members and friends have gathered around Mendenhall Lake to hold a candlelight vigil to honor Juneau residents Paul Jose Rodriguez, Jr. Wednesday evening.
The ceremony was peaceful, with the rushing waters that flows from Nugget Falls in the background. The candles placed in the palms of guests gathering grew more bright as the day grew darker around 10 p.m.
Michelle Tagaban lead the ceremony for Rodriguez whom she regards as a member of her family.
It’s a style=”font-weight 400 ;”>”The search for Paul is an ongoing effort and we’re sensitive to the fact that he’s there,” Tagaban said during the prayer vigil. “He is in the area and we pray to locate him quickly and bring back to his family, where he is. .”
Dan Ewing, who’s a pastor at Calvary Fellowship Church in Juneau and has known Rodriguez for more than 17 years. He told me that Rodriguez had the respect of everyone who he came in contact with.
span style=”font-weight 400 ;”>”Probably the most trustworthy person I’ve ever encountered. In all honesty, when you’re in need of something, you need, he’s got it.” Ewing said. “Adventurous willing to do anything. A fun guy .”
Rodriguez was well-known within people for his photos. He utilized his drone to snap stunning photographs and videos of the Juneau landscape which included many of those of Mendenhall Glacier.
The span style=”font-weight 400 ;”>”Loved people Loved life, adored God,” Ewing said. “He was devoted to his son. Jaden was his entire life .”
Rodriquez leaves the family of a son aged 20.
Rodriguez has not been seen since Tuesday when he shared his status on Facebook that he was paddling towards the glacier. He shared a picture with another friend later that day, and his last post was that he was heading back according to Ewing.
The kayak that he was on to be sunk Tuesday night, as per the Alaska State Troopers, but the missing person was not reported until the next day. Many agencies have participated with the hunt. The Helmet and GoPro were discovered by an unknown person, and were handed in the police to AST this morning.
Officials say video evidence retrieved from a GoPro Rodriguez wearing on the day his disappearance confirmed that the kayak he was in drowned when it was sunk.
The hunt for his remains is continuing and new tools are being used, including an underwater camera as well as an autonomous vehicle that can be operated remotely According to Alisha Seward of the AST.
