TROY, Texas — The Central Texas community is coming together after a Troy family has been lost at sea for days. The Maynard family's boat reportedly overturned in chilly Alaskan water on Saturday, Aug. 3.
Mary and David Maynard and their two children have not been found yet. People are still praying for a miracle.
Crystal Fields helps search for missing people in Texas and other states. She has a team of K9's that are certified for search and rescue on both land and water.
Fields says she is trying to get in contact with K9 teams in Alaska to continue the search for the Maynard family. She doesn't know the family directly but says her grandson was in the same class and was good friends with one of the young boys on the boat.
"Please continue to pray," Fields told 6 News. "I believe in all my heart, prayers can move mountains, and they need them more than ever!"
People near and far across the country are praying for the Maynard family and relatives, including a pen pal of David's from when he was 12.
"I just can't wrap my head around that this could happen to him and his family," Leslie Brooks said. "I pray that they are still out there somewhere and they are found. It's just unbelievable and unsettling."
6 News reached out to Troy Mayor Michael Morgan for comment. He gave us the following statement:
"Our hearts are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of the Maynards, a beloved family from our close-knit community. A mother, father and their two sons, whose lives were intertwined with ours, have been taken from us far too soon. Their presence was a source of warmth and joy, and their absence creates a void that will be felt profoundly for years to come. As we grieve together, let us remember the love and happiness they brought into the lives of those who knew them best. In this time of sorrow, may we find solace in the strength of shared memories and the bonds that unite us. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the family and all who knew them, as we offer our support and comfort."
Troy City Manager Gary Smith also spoke with 6 News:
"I think that such a tragedy has a deep impact upon a small community where many people are closely connected to each other. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of the Maynards as they grapple with this devastating situation.
Unfortunately, Troy is no stranger to tragedy. Yet, I have seen members of the community rapidly pull together to help in these difficult times, and I'm certain this will again be the case.
As this horrible event continues to unfold, we hope that the Maynard family can be located and we pray for the protection of those involved in that activity."
A statement from Sen. Ted Cruz was also given after being reached out to by 6 News:
"My heart breaks for the friends and loved ones of the Maynard family, whose vessel capsized off the coast of Alaska. Our prayers are with them during this uncertain and tragic time. My team has contacted the Coast Guard asking for any information they can provide about what happened to the Maynards.
The men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard dedicate their lives to protecting American sailing along our shores, and as a Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce Committee, I am working to provide the Coast Guard with more search and rescue resources to help during these devastating incidents."
Four other people who were with the Maynard family when the boat capsized were reportedly rescued.
A representative from the Alaska Dive Search Rescue and Recovery Team told 6 News, "the weather is still bad to continue the search, with another weather system coming in right behind this one. We are currently working a different mission in another part of the state as we wait for weather to improve. It is unknown when the Alaska Department of Public Safety will suspend the search."
A GoFundMe to help the family can be found at this link.
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