Body of missing UK doctor found in Alaska mountains after leaving cruise ship to hike

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — The body of a missing University of Kentucky doctor who disappeared during a hike in Alaska has been found, according to the Juneau Police Department.

Police said on Facebook that a National Guard helicopter crew located the body of 62-year-old Marites Buenafe on Thursday. Her body was discovered about 1,700 feet below the ridgeline of Gold Ridge in the mountains near Juneau.

Buenafe, who is listed as a physician on UK Healthcare’s website, had been traveling with Norwegian Cruise Lines when she went missing. Alaska State Troopers said she was reported missing Tuesday after leaving the cruise ship to go hiking.

Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding her death.

This is a developing story, which we’ll update as we learn new information.