Dennis Adrian Slats, 35, was last seen in Chevak, Alaska, on March 7, 2021. He and 22-year-old James Tikiun were together at an old, abandoned school building in the village. The school burned to the ground the next morning, March 8, and searches after the fire found no sign that either man had left the community.

Alaska State Troopers and Deputy Fire Marshals arrived March 9 to investigate and search the debris, but the structure’s large size, hazardous materials including asbestos, and heavy snowfall hampered efforts to locate human remains. Investigators concluded the fire started underneath the gym, though the cause is reported as unknown. The blaze also damaged local infrastructure, leaving about 20 homes without running water and sewer for a time.

The investigation remains open and the community continues to seek answers. If anyone in Chevak or nearby saw Dennis or has information about the old school building around March 7–8, please come forward.