Overview

Date Last Seen: May 11, 1980 (Alaska DPS records); many databases list May 14, 1980 as the official missing date.

Location Last Seen: Anchorage, Alaska.

Main Circumstances

• Karen regularly spoke with family several times each week.
• She was looking forward to an upcoming visit from her sister from Canada.
• Communication unexpectedly stopped.
• Investigators classify the disappearance as occurring under suspicious circumstances.
• The case remains unsolved and active.

Detailed Case Breakdown

Karen Dean Evan Disappearance (1980): The Unsolved Alaska Missing Person Case

Overview

Karen Dean Evan was an 18-year-old Alaska Native woman who disappeared from Anchorage, Alaska, in May 1980. More than four decades later, her disappearance remains unsolved. Despite being entered into national missing persons databases and remaining an active case with the Anchorage Police Department and the Alaska Department of Public Safety, no confirmed sightings or significant public breakthroughs have been announced.

Karen’s case has drawn attention because of the abrupt end to her regular contact with family members. According to investigators, she routinely spoke with relatives several times each week and was eagerly anticipating a visit from her sister who lived in Canada. When those calls suddenly stopped, her family immediately knew something was wrong.

Karen Dean Evan’s Disappearance

Karen Dean Evan was born on January 9, 1962, and was living in Anchorage at the time of her disappearance. She was last heard from during May 1980, with Alaska records listing her last known contact as May 11, 1980, while many national missing person databases list her disappearance date as May 14, 1980. The discrepancy likely reflects the difference between her final known contact and the date she was officially reported missing.

Investigators have released very little information regarding the circumstances surrounding her disappearance. No publicly available evidence indicates whether she left voluntarily, was abducted, or became the victim of foul play. However, Alaska’s Department of Public Safety currently categorizes the case as involving suspicious circumstances, suggesting investigators have reason to believe her disappearance may not have been voluntary.

Karen was described as:

• Age: 18
• Height: 5 feet 2 inches
• Weight: Approximately 125 pounds
• Hair: Brown
• Eyes: Brown
• Race/Ethnicity: Alaska Native

Investigation

The Anchorage Police Department has remained the lead investigative agency since 1980.

Over the years, Karen’s information has been entered into multiple national databases to increase public awareness and assist investigators. Her dental records are available for comparison, although there has been no public confirmation regarding fingerprint or DNA submissions.

Despite decades passing, authorities have never publicly identified a suspect or person of interest. Likewise, no confirmed connection has been established between Karen’s disappearance and any known serial offender or other unsolved Alaska cases.

Latest Investigation Information

Karen Dean Evan’s disappearance remains an active missing person investigation.

The Alaska Department of Public Safety continues to publish Karen’s missing persons bulletin, and the Anchorage Police Department still accepts tips regarding her disappearance. The case also remains active in the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs), indicating investigators have not closed the investigation. Publicly available records released through 2025–2026 show no announced recovery, arrest, or major investigative breakthrough.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Anchorage Police Department or the Alaska State Troopers Missing Persons Clearinghouse.

Last Seen Summary

Date Last Seen: May 11, 1980 (Alaska DPS records); many databases list May 14, 1980 as the official missing date.

Location Last Seen: Anchorage, Alaska.

Main Circumstances

• Karen regularly spoke with family several times each week.
• She was looking forward to an upcoming visit from her sister from Canada.
• Communication unexpectedly stopped.
• Investigators classify the disappearance as occurring under suspicious circumstances.
• The case remains unsolved and active.