An Arizona man has been missing from a Fairbanks hotel for about two weeks, Alaska State Troopers said.
Keith Stompro, 66, checked into Pike's Waterfront Lodge on Dec. 10. He was originally supposed to stay for just two days, said Christena O'Connor, assistant general manager at the lodge.
On the day of the scheduled check-out, housekeeping staff told O'Connor that Stompro's belongings were still in the room, automatically extending his check-out time.
By Dec. 14, it was clear the bed hadn't been slept in and the shower hadn't been used, O'Connor said. She went up to the room, and found "lots of stuff" -- more than a guest simply leaving items behind.
The lodge contacted troopers on Dec. 20.
"Being from Arizona, and it being 30 below in Fairbanks, with his stuff left in the room, it was a bit concerning," O'Connor said.
Troopers believe Stompro came to Alaska at the beginning of November, Beth Ipsen, troopers spokeswoman, said in a statement. He rented a car in Anchorage, and made his way north to Fairbanks.
Along the way, on Dec. 10, his rental car crashed into a herd of caribou on the Parks Highway near Cantwell, Ipsen said. The crash totaled the car, but Stompro found a ride into Fairbanks and checked into Pike's later that day.
O'Connor said she called the car rental company from a card found in Stompro's room, and learned about the crash with the caribou.
A trooper who spoke with Stompro at the scene said "he seemed happy to be in Alaska," O'Connor said. Stompro was apparently traveling alone.
A public records search turns up a Phoenix address for Stompro, and a background in finance. On Twitter, he identifies himself as an entrepreneur and a former U.S. Army officer. His most recent tweet was sent June 21.
Family members from the Lower 48 interviewed by troopers didn't even know Stompro was in Alaska, Ipsen said. O'Connor said she was the first one to tell Stompro's sister, who lives in Texas, that he was missing in Fairbanks.
According to his sister, Stompro is an avid outdoorsman, and many years ago had mentioned wanting to go to Alaska, O'Connor said.
Stompro is described as 5-feet-9-inches and 165 pounds, with hazel eyes and graying brown hair.
Anyone who has had contact with Stompro since Dec. 10 or has information on his whereabouts can contact Alaska State Troopers in Fairbanks at 451-5100.
By DEVIN KELLY