Fairbanks Police Search for Missing 12-Year-Old Last Seen at Skatepark

July 17, 2026 Gina Hill 0 Comments

Have you seen Skyler? This 12-year-old never made it home after a summer evening at the skatepark, and his family is still waiting for him. Every hour matters. If you recognize his face, his bike, or anything at all, please speak up. Help bring Skyler Riley home.

Community urged to help locate Skyler Riley, who never returned home Wednesday night.

By Gina Hill | Alaska Headline Living | Friday, July 17, 2026

Fairbanks police are asking for the public’s help in locating a missing 12-year-old boy who did not return home as expected, sparking growing concern for his safety.

Skyler Riley was last seen around 5 p.m. on July 16 at the John Weaver Memorial Skatepark on Second Avenue. According to police, he was supposed to be home by 9 p.m. that evening, but never made it back.

The John Weaver Memorial Skatepark on Second Avenue, a place meant for fun and freedom, now holds a quiet hope. If you were here and saw anything at all, your memory could help bring a child back home.

For families across Fairbanks, the situation hits close to home. A summer evening at the skatepark is a familiar routine for many kids this time of year, making Skyler’s disappearance especially unsettling.

Skyler is described as a Native male, about 5 feet 2 inches tall and weighing approximately 102 pounds. He has brown eyes and black hair that is currently dyed red. When he was last seen, he was wearing a white shirt with green and yellow spots, blue and black plaid pants, and white shoes.

Police say he may also have a gray backpack and could be riding a black BMX bicycle with red tires.

As hours turn into a full day, the urgency continues to grow. Law enforcement is asking anyone who may have seen Skyler, his bicycle, or anything unusual near the skatepark area Thursday evening to come forward.

Even the smallest detail could make a difference.

Anyone with information about Skyler Riley’s whereabouts is urged to contact Officer Rupe at crupe@fairbanks.gov or call the Fairbanks Police Department at 907-450-6500.

For now, a family waits and a community is being asked to keep their eyes open and help bring Skyler home safely.