Alaska State Troopers: Four missing Alaska Native individuals in Fairbanks not connected

FAIRBANKS, Alaska (KTVF) - Since August, four Alaska Natives have gone missing in and around the Fairbanks area. Search parties and posters across town have so far failed to locate the missing individuals.

Frank Minano was last seen near the Standard Creek area outside of Fairbanks on August 17th.

Debra Nictune has been missing since August 18th and was last seen in the Northward building in Fairbanks.

Doren Sanford was last seen on Airport Road in Fairbanks on August 28th.

Willis Derendoff recently went missing on November 10th, and was last seen in the Fairbanks area.

According to Alaska State Trooper Sergeant Melvin Colley, these cases aren’t connected.

“Based off of our investigations and information that we have on the four cases, they are not related to each other at all. And in each circumstance, none of them have a criminal nexus that we have been able to show in any of the four cases," Colley said.

He went on to say that the troopers are continuing to follow any leads they have on the missing individuals: "I want the community to know that the Alaska State Troopers are following up on any possible leads that we have for the missing persons. We have followed up on many, and we will follow up on any that we have to find out if they are credible. So if you hear anything, or see any of the people that are missing, if you could give us a call and let us know we will certainly go check it out.”

He encouraged anyone with information to contact the troopers at 451-5100.

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