Body found of missing Fairbanks man, authorities say no foul play suspected

FAIRBANKS, Alaska (KTVF) - Ernest Burggraf, 60 of Fairbanks, was first reported missing on March 19th, 2021. He is a janitor for the Fairbanks Resource Agency. Shortly before his disappearance, Ernest was dropped off at his car by a co-worker.

“He was dropped off at this parking lot here at 12:30 [a.m.] and they saw him get into the car and turn the lights on, and then they left,” Rodger Burggraf, Ernest’s father said.

His car doors were found unlocked with his keys in the ignition. Ernest’s family speculates if he had some kind of car trouble he may have set out on foot towards his home near Wilcox Avenue and Geist Road.

Troopers thoroughly searched the area at the time, and the family organized volunteer search parties; the searches produced no results.

In the afternoon on April 20th, 2021 Burggraf’s body was found by construction workers, working near the University Avenue bridge. His body was discovered in the snow off the road near the Chena River. According to Troopers, there were no signs of foul play at the scene. The remains will be sent to the state medical examiner for review. Next of kin have been notified.

This is a developing story and as additional information is released we will share it with you.