Alaska State Troopers reported via dispatch that the remains found washed up on the beach on Shuyak Island were determined to be those of 35-year-old Francois Guenot, who was reported as missing when his kayak and belongings were discovered washed ashore nortth of Swikshak Lagoon in Shelikof Straits.
Guenot, a national from Maiche, France, was attempting to navigate his way to Chignik Bay from Amakdedori when he went missing. It was reported at that time that the last time Guenot was seen alive was in Kokhanok on May 9th. Guenot had intended to eventually make his way to the Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia.
Guenot explored around the state extensively prior to disappearing.He had arrived in Canada last summer to begin his trek.
Then, on September 8th, 36-year-old Andy Schroeder of Kodiak, while working as a volunteer with “Island Trails Network,” a group that cleans up debris washed ashore on the archipeligo, discovered the decomposed remains while cleaning up the beaches on Shuyak Island, the northernmost island in the group.
The body was recovered by Alaska State Troopers who responded to the scene.
When sent to the State Medical Examiner’s office in Anchorage, the remains were able to be identified through dental records.
Guenot’s next of kin were notified of the discovery.