David was aboard the sailing vessel 'Bird' when he was reported overdue. He was last seen in Hoonah, Alaska on 10-25-1999. He was planning on spending a week in Glacier Bay and then sail to southern California. Searches in the area turned up several pieces of debris which were identified as coming from the vessel. The debris indicated the vessel broke apart and possibly sank in the area. He is presumed to have drowned.