Home / Disasters and Accidents / Missing Kayaker's Remains Found After 2+ Years
Missing Kayaker's Remains Found After 2+ Years
22 Jun
Summary
- Human remains of Samuel McAlister were found on Jan. 6.
- He disappeared nearly three years ago while kayaking.
- His mother is raising his three young children.
The human remains of Samuel McAlister, who went missing nearly three years ago, were discovered on Motukaramarama Island in New Zealand. McAlister, a father of three, disappeared on September 11, 2023, while kayak fishing in Firth of Thames.
His disappearance occurred after he lost his paddle in rough seas. Despite an extensive search operation that quickly turned into a recovery mission, he was presumed to have drowned. His mother, Haidee Ainsley, shared the news of his presumed death at the time.
The discovery of McAlister's remains was made by a sailor on January 5, 2026. The sailor found skeletal remains scattered amongst rocks and immediately alerted authorities. A recovery operation followed, and preliminary examinations suggested the remains likely belonged to McAlister.
On June 16, 2026, Haidee Ainsley received the final DNA confirmation that the remains were indeed her son's. She described the moment as overwhelming, filled with relief, heartbreak, and grief, expressing immense gratitude to the man who found her son.
Ainsley has been raising McAlister's three children, aged 9, 7, and 4, since his disappearance. The children continue to remember their father fondly. A funeral service for Samuel McAlister is currently being arranged for close family and friends.
