Juneau, Alaska - A tragic incident unfolded at Mendenhall Lake near Juneau, Alaska, as Paul Rodriguez Jr., 43, went missing after his kayak overturned on July 11. Authorities have now recovered footage from a helmet-mounted GoPro camera that appears to reveal the fate of Rodriguez.

According to a statement from the Alaska State Troopers, Rodriguez drowned when his kayak overturned at Mendenhall Lake, located at the foot of the Mendenhall Glacier. On July 11, a passerby discovered a lone kayak at the lake with no identifying markings and reported that there was no one in or around the lake in distress. While search teams continue to look for his body, a good Samaritan found a GoPro camera mounted on a helmet on the shore and turned it over to authorities. The camera has been confirmed to have belonged to Rodriguez.

The footage from the camera was reviewed, and officials determined that Rodriguez inadvertently recorded his own drowning when the kayak overturned. Tim DeSpain, a spokesperson for the Troopers, explained that there was a strong current coming from the glacier at the time of the incident. Chunks of ice were seen floating in Mendenhall Lake, adding to the hazardous conditions.

It was revealed that Rodriguez was not wearing a life jacket or appropriate protective clothing for glacial water sports. Additionally, the Juneau Police Department received a report from U.S. Forest Service employees about a vehicle parked at the recreation area near Nugget Falls since July 11, which was registered to Rodriguez. His roommate reported last seeing him on July 10, and a social media post by Rodriguez on July 11 showed a kayak on a beach near Nugget Falls.

Rodriguez's son, Jaden Rodriguez, spoke fondly of his father, describing him as kind-hearted and someone who enjoyed various outdoor activities such as fishing, paddleboarding, snowboarding, and photography. Jaden also mentioned that his father's life changed for the better after finding God, and he often reminded him that life is short.

As authorities continue their search efforts, the community mourns the loss of Rodriguez, remembering him as a good person who found joy in the outdoors and photography. This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the dangers associated with glacial water sports and the importance of safety precautions such as wearing life jackets and appropriate protective gear.