Families gather to support missing persons Doren Sanford, Willis Derendoff and others

FAIRBANKS, Alaska (KTVF) - Correction to story made on March, 22, 2022.

On the afternoon of Saturday, March 19th at the intersection of Airport Way and Cowles Street in Fairbanks, community members held signs of missing loved ones like Doren Sanford and Willis Derendoff.

Sanford was 35 years old when he was last seen on August 29th, 2020 in downtown Fairbanks, searching for his lost Rottweiler, Groot. He’s a Tok resident who visited Fairbanks in 2020 to view potential property but disappeared soon after.

As signs were displayed at each corner of the intersection, drivers would honk and wave to the citizens to show support. Some would even pull over to ask questions about the progression of investigations, as well as share stories about the missing persons before their disappearances.

Sanford’s mother, Liz Webb, was joined by her sons and other family members, all of whom still search for answers about their missing son, brother, and cousin.

Webb said, “Since the last one (sign holding campaign) it’s been a while - so I think it’s the perfect timing with a lot of people in town to remind everyone Doren isn’t home yet. And Willis, the other two (Frank Minano and Debra “Debbie” Nictune), we thought it would be a good time to remind everyone that they haven’t been found.”

Derendoff’s mother mentioned that the community came together and donated funds to help with the search and reward fund for her son, Willis. Cash rewards are available to those that provide information that ultimately lead to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for Sanford’s and Derendoff’s whereabouts and disappearance.

Anonymous tips can be given to Fairbanks Police department at 907-450-6500 and/or the Alaska State Troopers at 907-451-5100.

Updated: 22 March 2022

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