A U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant deployed to Alaska for Red Flag training has died following a kayaking accident on the Chena River, according to multiple official sources.
Staff Sgt. Christian Diaz, 24, was a member of the 35th Fighter Generation Squadron out of Kunsan Air Base, South Korea. He was in Fairbanks as part of a forward deployment to Eielson Air Force Base for Exercise Red Flag-Alaska 25-2, a large-scale multinational air combat training event.
According to a joint statement from the Fairbanks Fire and Police Departments, Diaz was kayaking with three friends Friday evening, June 27, when his kayak overturned near the Pioneer Park boat launch. Witnesses told authorities that Diaz was seen struggling in the water before going under. He was not wearing a life jacket at the time of the incident.
An extensive search was launched immediately but transitioned to a recovery mission as hours passed without locating him. Multiple agencies assisted in the operation, including the Fairbanks Fire and Police Departments, Village Public Safety Officers, PAWS Search and Rescue, University Fire, Eielson service members, and local volunteer divers.
Diaz’s body was recovered Sunday evening around 7 p.m., not far from where he initially capsized. Authorities have confirmed that no foul play is suspected, and his remains have been sent to the medical examiner’s office in Anchorage.
The 8th Fighter Wing commander, Col. Kathryn Gaetke, expressed condolences in a public statement, thanking all the agencies involved in the recovery and acknowledging the emotional toll the loss has taken on Diaz’s family and fellow airmen.
“We recognize the emotional hardship for both his family in the United States and here in the Wolf Pack,” said Gaetke. “We remain focused on supporting his family, colleagues, and all those affected during this challenging time.”
Local authorities used the tragic incident as a sobering reminder of the hazards posed by the Chena River, even to strong swimmers. “Conditions can be unpredictable and potentially dangerous,” officials said in a public safety announcement urging the use of Coast Guard-approved life jackets during all water activities.
Diaz’s next of kin have been notified. Further details may be released as the investigation concludes.
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