A treasured photo of Kristan Sapp Cole sharing a meal with her father, Donald “Butch” Sapp. His family hopes this memory inspires someone with information to come forward and help bring him home. | 📸 Kristan Sapp Cole
Family, friends, and the Alaska community are united in the search for Donald “Butch” Sapp.
By Gina Hill | Alaska Headline Living | June 30, 2026
The search continues for an 85-year-old Willow area resident whose disappearance has prompted a large, multi-agency search effort involving the Alaska State Troopers, volunteer search teams, drones, and search-and-rescue dogs.
According to the Alaska State Troopers, Donald “Butch” Sapp was reported missing after troopers were asked to conduct a welfare check at his home on Wednesday, June 25. Investigators say Sapp was last seen by neighbors around noon on Saturday, June 20, at his residence near Mile 83-84 of the Parks Highway along the Kashwitna River in the Willow area.
Despite an extensive search of the property and surrounding area, search crews have not yet located Sapp.
His daughter, Kristan Sapp Cole, shared an emotional message with family, friends, and the community, thanking everyone who has joined the effort.
“Me and my family want to thank the community for everything they have done so far to bring my Dad home. Please continue to pray and be mindful of anything you hear. We are grateful.”
She also asked that anyone with information, no matter how small it may seem, contact either her family directly or law enforcement.
The Alaska State Troopers have assigned Case Number AK26060015 to the investigation. Anyone who sees Donald “Butch” Sapp or has information about his whereabouts is asked to contact the Alaska State Troopers at (907) 352-5401immediately and reference the case number.
This search has become a true community effort, with volunteer search-and-rescue teams working alongside law enforcement in hopes of bringing Butch safely home to his family. Alaska’s vast wilderness can make searches especially challenging, and investigators continue to ask residents in the Willow and Parks Highway corridor to remain alert.
If you live near the Kashwitna River, have trail cameras, own property in the area, or traveled through Mile 83-84 of the Parks Highway since June 20, take a moment to check for anything unusual. Even the smallest detail could prove important to investigators.
For Kristan, her family, and everyone who knows Butch, the hope remains the same: that someone remembers something, notices something, or comes forward with the piece of information that helps bring this father, grandfather, neighbor, and friend home.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Alaska State Troopers at (907) 352-5401 and reference Case AK26060015
