Fairbanks

Missing Fairbanks man found dead in snow berm

A Fairbanks man missing since Sunday has been found dead, according to Alaska State Troopers.

Troopers said in a Tuesday dispatch that 23-year-old Ryan Zesiger was reported missing at about 9:30 a.m. Monday. He was last seen Sunday at a home near Murphy Dome, about 20 miles northwest of Fairbanks.

"Local search and rescue personnel and AST responded to the area where Zesiger was last seen," troopers wrote. "(Troopers) located Zesiger deceased in a snow berm."

Troopers spokeswoman Megan Peters said in an email that many questions surrounding Zesiger's death remain under investigation. His body was discovered Monday, soon after a friend made the initial missing-persons report.

"One of the responding troopers found (Zesiger) in the area he was last known to be shortly after arriving," Peters wrote. "He was not dressed for the weather."

Zesiger's next of kin have been notified. Peters said the body will undergo an autopsy at the State Medical Examiner Office in Anchorage.

Chris Klint

Chris Klint is a former ADN reporter who covered breaking news.

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