The search for a Navy civilian stationed in Okinawa, Japan has been called off for the season after he went missing in an avalanche-prone valley in the Japanese Alps. After days of exhaustive search efforts by local rescuers the operation has been suspended until conditions improve as reported by Denver 7.
Mathew Healy was a Navy civilian stationed in Okinawa, Japan. The Denver native was a physician’s assistant whose wife serves in the Air Force on Okinawa. His wife made the announcement through the GoFundMe Page page set up to offset the costs of his search operation:
Dear Family and Friends,
What began as the hardest night of my life has turned into the worst week of my life. After an exhaustive search, I am devastated to report that Mat will not be returning home at this time. The search and rescue teams have determined that he perished in an avalanche, and due to the extreme conditions, we will be unable to recover him until Japan’s long winter season has passed.
I am still in shock and cannot even comprehend this loss—my husband, my best friend, and amazing father to our kids. I cannot overstate my gratitude to all of you, our family and friends, for the amazing outpouring of love, support, and donations over the past 5 days. You have been the light that kept me going this week.
As the kids and I move forward into this new reality, I ask that you respect our family’s privacy. Please know that we are grateful for every single one of you, and we will be back in touch as soon as we are able to process this devastating loss.
Thank you so much.
With love,
Brooke
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Healy is survived by his wife and two children. Our thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family.