Gerald Jake Alen DeBerry, 53, of Fairbanks disappeared during a search for a missing friend in the White Mountains on October 10, 2011. He had gone out with family and friends to look for a woman separated from her group while riding four-wheelers and never returned. DeBerry was an albino with white/blonde hair, blue eyes, poor eyesight and several scars; he was last seen in a thin jacket, blue jeans, hiking boots, glasses, a thin hat and thin gloves — clothing later described as inadequate for overnight temperatures in the teens. A helper in the search even gave him an insulated flannel jacket after he said he was getting very cold.

Initial efforts involved two trooper helicopters, two trooper planes and military aircraft, plus night flying by a Pavehawk helicopter; ground searching by officials was later continued by volunteers, friends and family. Approximately one year later his Yamaha Kodiak ATV was found stuck in the tundra near Faith Creek Mine off the 69 Mile marker of the Steese Highway, but DeBerry himself has not been located and the circumstances of his disappearance remain unresolved. If anyone was in the White Mountains area that day or has information about his route or the ATV’s location, please come forward.