Sharon G. Buis, an accomplished hiker and dedicated physical therapist, went missing on May 24, 2014, from Juneau, Alaska. Since that fateful day, her disappearance has baffled both authorities and her community. Sharon, believed to be hiking on Mt. Roberts, left behind no clue as to her fate. Her vehicle was discovered at the trailhead on Basin Road, yet no trace of Sharon was ever found. This article delves into the circumstances surrounding Sharon Buis’ disappearance, the subsequent investigation, and the status of the case today.
The Disappearance
On the morning of May 24, 2014, Sharon Buis was scheduled to meet a friend for a hike at 8:45 a.m., but she never arrived. Her car was found parked at the Mt. Roberts trailhead on Basin Road, implying she had started her hike. The last confirmed sighting of Sharon was at Alaska Marine Lines in downtown Juneau around 9:30 a.m. on May 23, based on a receipt found in her car.
Sharon, an experienced hiker and outdoorswoman, was well-known for her adventurous spirit. She had recently returned from an ice camping trip in Greenland and had a history of embarking on daring expeditions, including cycling across Canada. Her sudden disappearance was perplexing, given her skill and familiarity with the terrain.
The Investigation
The search for Sharon commenced promptly, involving friends, family, search organizations, and law enforcement. The Alaska State Troopers led an extensive operation, covering the Mt. Juneau and Mt. Roberts trail systems. Despite their efforts, no significant leads emerged. By May 29, after days of exhaustive searches using ground teams and aerial support from the U.S. Coast Guard, the search was suspended. Lt. David Campbell explained that while the case had gone cold, it remained open, with the possibility of resuming the search if new information surfaced.
The Juneau Police Department (JPD), in collaboration with the Juneau Crime Line, a nonprofit organization, continued to seek public assistance. The Crime Line highlighted Buis’ case in hopes that someone with knowledge might come forward. They emphasized that even years-old cases could benefit from renewed public interest and tips.
In August 2014, efforts continued with Brian Weed, an experienced local explorer, who led a team to search abandoned mine shafts on the back of Mt. Roberts. Unfortunately, these efforts did not yield any new information.
The Case Today
As of today, Sharon Buis remains missing. Her case is still active with the JPD, and they encourage anyone with information to come forward. The case continues to draw attention from her community and beyond, with occasional tips and ongoing interest from volunteers and locals keeping an eye out during their hikes.
Sharon’s family, particularly her brother and sister-in-law from Ontario, Canada, have expressed immense gratitude for the ongoing support and search efforts. They have been present in Juneau on multiple occasions, both during the initial search and later, to thank those who had volunteered their time.
Sharon Buis’ disappearance remains a mystery. Her extensive experience and familiarity with the area, combined with the thorough searches that yielded no results, leave many questions unanswered. Whether it was a tragic accident, an animal attack, or something more sinister, the true story of what happened to Sharon on Mt. Roberts remains elusive.
If you have any information regarding the whereabouts of Sharon Buis, please contact the Juneau Police Department at 580-0600 or log onto the Juneau Crime Line website to report a tip. Anonymity is guaranteed, and tips may be eligible for a reward. The search for answers continues, and hope remains that one day, her family and friends will find closure.
