Guntur/Alaska: A 24-year-old student from Andhra Pradesh, Karasani Hari Krishna Reddy, pursuing his MS in Texas, has gone missing after embarking on a solo winter trip to Alaska during the Christmas holidays. Authorities and friends are actively searching for him.

Timeline of Events

• December 22, 2025: Reddy began his solo trip to Alaska, reportedly traveling via public transport as he does not know how to drive.
• December 30, 2025: Reddy last contacted friends and family from Alaska.
• December 31, 2025: His mobile phone signal was last traced in Denali, where he had stayed at a hotel. Friends initially assumed that his phone being switched off was due to poor connectivity in the mountainous region.
• January 4, 2026: Expected return date to Texas, which he missed.
• January 5, 2026: Reddy did not return to his residence in Texas as planned, prompting concern.

Credit card records indicate he made a transaction for a local cab facility after his phone went offline, suggesting he was still moving within Alaska.

Search and Concerns

Alaska police issued a public statement, urging anyone with information on Reddy’s whereabouts to come forward. The harsh winter conditions are a major concern, with temperatures dropping to -40°C between December 31 and January 1, making solo travel extremely dangerous.

Family and Support

According to Andhra Pradesh Non-Resident Telugu Society (NRTS) officials, Reddy’s family has not formally approached them for help, though the organization is coordinating with local contacts in the US to assist in tracing him.

Risks

• Alaska in winter is known for extreme cold, heavy snowfall, and challenging terrain.
• Solo travelers, especially those unfamiliar with driving or local conditions, face significant risks including hypothermia, getting stranded, or accidents in mountainous areas.

Authorities continue to monitor credit card transactions, mobile signals, and local sightings as part of the ongoing search. Friends and family remain hopeful but urge anyone in the area of Denali or surrounding regions to report any information that could lead to locating Reddy.

This case highlights the dangers of solo travel in extreme winter conditions and has drawn attention from local authorities and the Andhra community abroad.