The late Dean A. Ford was a descendant of the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin. He had been missing since July 2018, and his remains were discovered on the Menominee Indian Reservation on October 30, 2023. The identification of his skeletal remains was confirmed on March 19, 2024, through DNA cross-matching. This tragic discovery ended almost six years of uncertainty and anguish for his family and friends.
Dean’s disappearance and subsequent murder are being investigated by the Menominee Tribal Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) as a homicide. He was last known to be residing either on the Menominee Indian Reservation or in the city of Shawano, and he had associations in both locations.
Dean’s sister, Hailey Alegria, has organized a fundraiser to cover the costs of his funeral and memorial. She shared heartfelt memories of her brother, reflecting on his life and the joy he brought to his family and friends. Dean was known for his love of hockey, especially as a player in the Shawano Hockey League, and his passion for music, with a particular fondness for TechN9ne. He was a skilled skateboarder and cherished teaching his siblings new tricks.
Hailey expressed the profound impact Dean had on those around him, stating, "If you asked his friends, they would tell you that he was the funniest person (and craziest) they have ever known. Dean was hard-headed and when he had his mind set to something, he would make it happen. My brother wasn’t handed the greatest cards in life but he still played the game anyway and always made the best of it."
The community’s response has been supportive, with many sharing their thoughts and encouraging Hailey to seek additional support for the funeral expenses. Despite the state’s assistance and potential help from the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), the financial burden remains significant.
In her Facebook post, Hailey also touched on the broader significance of Dean’s death occurring during Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women’s/Peoples month, highlighting the ongoing issues faced by Indigenous communities.
The Alegria family is dedicated to providing Dean with a proper journey to the spirit world and ensuring his life is celebrated appropriately. Any leftover funds from the funeral expenses will go towards a reward for information leading to the identification and conviction of those responsible for his murder. Hailey’s GoFundMe campaign for Dean’s Funeral & Memorial Fund aims to raise $10,000, reflecting the community’s collective effort to honor Dean’s memory and support his family during this difficult time.
Note:This post was written and edited by Oliver Rivera, based on their expertise and research. It is intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. We welcome your feedback and questions on this content. Please feel free to contact us.