Rubye Blake, a 33-year-old woman from Seward, Alaska, was found dead near a boat docked off Kodiak Island on May 5, 2023. Blake was a former Alaska state cross country running champion and a well-known fisherman in the local fleet. Her death has shocked and saddened her family, friends, and the running community.
Contents
What Happened to Rubye Blake?
According to the Alaska State Troopers, Blake was part of a hunting outfitter crew based on a 40-foot-long fishing boat called F/V Enchantress, which was anchored offshore in a remote area of Uganik Bay. Blake was the only adult on the boat at the time of her death. The rest of the crew members were away on a hunting trip.
The troopers said that Blake’s body was discovered in the water about 100 yards from the boat, near the beach, when the crew members returned to the vessel later that day. The troopers responded to the emergency call and conducted an on-scene investigation. They transported Blake’s body to the State Medical Examiner’s Office in Anchorage for examination.
The troopers said that no foul play was suspected in Blake’s death, and the investigation is still ongoing. The cause of death has not been announced yet.
Who Was Rubye Blake?
Rubye Blake was a beloved member of the Alaska running community. She and her twin sister Denali Strabel were both accomplished runners who won several state championships in high school and college. Their mother Patti Foldager was also a former Mount Marathon race winner.
Blake won two high school state cross country championships in 2004 and 2006, while her sister won one in 2005. They both ran for Seward High School and later for Western State Colorado University. They also competed in several mountain races, including Mount Marathon, Crow Pass Crossing, and Alyeska Classic.
Blake was also an avid fisherman who worked on various boats in Cordova and Seward. She and her husband Derek Blake were active in guiding and fish advocacy. They had a baby boy named Finn who was born in 2022.
Blake’s sister Denali Strabel posted a heartfelt tribute to her twin on Facebook, saying that losing her was like losing “half my soul”. She wrote:
“A twin who loses their twin is said to live the rest of their life longing for connection. I know this is true because I have felt it every day since you left me. You were my other half, my best friend, my soulmate. You were everything to me.”
She also thanked everyone who supported her and her family during this difficult time.
How Did the Running Community React to Rubye Blake’s Death?
Rubye Blake’s death has been met with an outpouring of grief and condolences from the running community. Many runners shared their memories and photos of Blake on social media, expressing their admiration and love for her.
Some of the prominent runners who paid tribute to Blake include:
- Allie Ostrander, a three-time NCAA steeplechase champion and Olympian, who wrote: “Rubye was one of my idols growing up. She was so kind, humble, and talented. I looked up to her and her sister so much.”
- Christy Marvin, a six-time Mount Marathon women’s champion, who wrote: “Rubye was such a beautiful person inside and out. She had such a positive energy and a contagious smile. She was always so supportive and encouraging of other runners.”
- Eric Strabel, a three-time Mount Marathon men’s champion and Rubye’s brother-in-law, who wrote: “Rubye was an amazing sister-in-law, auntie, runner, fisherwoman, and friend. She had such a zest for life and adventure. She will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her.”
The Alaska Mountain Runners, a nonprofit organization that promotes mountain running in Alaska, also posted a statement on their website, saying:
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Rubye Blake. Rubye was a phenomenal runner and a wonderful person who touched many lives in our community. She was always cheerful, friendly, and supportive of others. She inspired us with her passion and dedication for running and fishing. She was a true Alaskan who loved the outdoors and lived life to the fullest. We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, especially her husband Derek, her son Finn, and her twin sister Denali. We will always remember Rubye as a shining star in our mountain running family.”
