A 29‑year‑old male, white Jesse Alan Bidgood, was discovered deceased at the scene of a tragic shooting in Fairbanks, Alaska. It was later determined that he had been fatally shot before law enforcement's arrival during what began as a domestic disturbance. The death occurred on May 12, 2025, and Jesse Bidgood was declared deceased at the scene.
His passing stunned his family and the community.
Earlier that evening, at approximately 10:23 p.m., Fairbanks Police Department officers responded to a report of a domestic disturbance at a residence on Washington Avenue in Fairbanks. Before officers could enter, 36‑year‑old Thomas Bean, also a resident of Fairbanks, opened fire with a semi‑automatic rifle. He first shot and killed the 29‑year‑old male Jesse Bidgood of North Pole. Then Bean proceeded to fire at the responding officers, striking police vehicles and prompting an exchange of gunfire. Multiple Alaska State Troopers and additional Fairbanks Police officers arrived to assist. Bean continued to resist commands and was fatally shot by law enforcement. Jesse Bidgood had already been killed prior to their arrival. Both Jesse Bidgood's body and Thomas Bean's body were transported to the State Medical Examiner's Office for autopsy.
There have been no arrests in Jesse Bidgood's death; the suspect, Thomas Bean, was immediately shot and killed by law enforcement in the same incident that claimed Bidgood's life. The Alaska Bureau of Investigation has taken the lead in the ongoing inquiry into the homicide, the officer‑involved shooting, and the domestic disturbance. Once the investigation is complete, it will be independently reviewed by the Alaska Office of Special Prosecutions. Troopers and Fairbanks Police officers who discharged firearms are on administrative leave as per departmental policy; their identities were set to be released shortly after the incident.
In the wake of the violence, community mourning and remembrance emerged. An obituary published described Jesse Bidgood as a 29‑year‑old white male from North Pole, Alaska, a devoted father of three, beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend, who worked passionately operating heavy equipment and was known for his humor and ability to light up a room. He is remembered with warmth and sorrow by his three children—Carolann and Paxson residing in Fort Stewart, Georgia, and Octavia in North Pole—his mother Jody, his siblings, nieces and nephews, a grandmother, aunts, uncles, and many friends. His family planned a celebration of life on June 5, 2025, at the Chapel of Chimes in Fairbanks, honoring his memory in true Jesse style—guests invited to arrive in work clothes, work boots, and hats, and encouraged to 'roll that coal' as they departed.
