The search for Chris Palmer and his dog Zoey remains ongoing.
Chris and Zoey started a camping trip in the Smoky Mountains on December 8th, 2025. During this trip, he traveled to multiple places and kept in touch with his family. They last heard from him by text on January 9th, 2026. He said he was headed to the Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia
On January 12th, 2026 (previously reported as January 10th, 2026), National Park Service Rangers found his red Ford F250 abandoned on the page at Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
On January 16th, 2026, Authorities in Arkansas officially declared Chris Palmer a missing person.
Other sources are now reporting that Chris and Zoey were seen on the beach with a kayak, and that Chris did have a kayak that was not found in or near his truck.
Chris is described as 39 years old, 5′ 6″ tall, with strawberry blonde hair and blue eyes.
The National Park Service is requesting any and all public information that could help them locate Chris and Zoey.
In recent days, the outdoor community and search and rescue organizations have focused their attention on a baffling disappearance spanning multiple states. Chris Palmer, a 39-year-old adventure enthusiast, and his loyal companion—his dog, Zoey—have vanished without a trace, leaving behind a journey filled with unanswered questions.
A Journey That Began with Freedom
The story began on December 8, 2025, when Chris and Zoey set off for an extended camping trip in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. For Chris, this wasn’t just a vacation; it was a journey to reconnect with nature. For an entire month, he traveled through various locations, exploring the pristine beauty of rugged trails and ancient forests.
Chris’s family noted that he remained in consistent contact. Messages sharing the scenery and Zoey’s playful antics were sent home regularly, reflecting an optimistic and vibrant spirit. On January 9, 2026, his family received what would be the final text message from him. Chris stated that he was headed toward the Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia—a place renowned for its challenging terrain and majestic beauty.
Then, a haunting silence began.
The Unexpected Discovery at Cape Hatteras
Three days after his last text, a major turning point occurred, but it was not in West Virginia as planned. On January 12, 2026 (corrected from earlier reports of January 10), National Park Service (NPS) Rangers discovered Chris’s red Ford F250 truck abandoned at Cape Hatteras National Seashore in North Carolina.
The truck sat lonely by the shore, but Chris and Zoey were nowhere to be found. The appearance of his vehicle on the North Carolina coast, when he had stated he was headed to West Virginia, created a massive gap in the timeline of his disappearance. Why did he change his itinerary so abruptly?
By January 16, 2026, authorities in Arkansas officially declared Chris Palmer a missing person. A large-scale search operation was immediately activated.
The Kayak Mystery: A Key to the Truth?
New details provided by reports and witnesses have raised fresh concerns. Sources now indicate that Chris and Zoey were spotted on the beach with a kayak.
Crucially, his family confirmed that Chris owned a kayak, yet when the F250 truck was searched at the scene, the kayak was missing from the vehicle and was not found anywhere nearby. The theory that Chris took Zoey out onto the water and encountered trouble has become a primary focus for rescue teams. The waters of Cape Hatteras are notoriously fierce and unpredictable this time of year, and the vision of a man and a small dog on a solitary boat amidst the vast ocean is a heartbreaking prospect.
Identification: Help Us Find Them
Chris Palmer is more than just a name on a missing person report. He is a son, a friend, and the protector of his dog, Zoey.
- Physical Description: 39 years old, 5′ 6″ tall, with distinctive strawberry blonde hair and blue eyes.
- His Companion: Zoey—the dog who never left his side on any trail.
The National Park Service (NPS) and local authorities are urgently requesting anyone who was in the Cape Hatteras area, or at any stops between West Virginia and North Carolina from January 9 to January 12, to come forward.
Whether it is a photo accidentally taken on the beach, dashcam footage, or a small memory of seeing a blonde man with a dog and a kayak—every detail is vital for survival at this moment.
The Power of Collective Action
We have seen many miracles happen through the power of social media and community. In this disappearance, time is the greatest enemy. Chris and Zoey have been out there for a long time, facing the cold, the harshness of the elements, and the risks of the sea.
Chris’s family is living through endless days of waiting and hoping. They are holding onto the faith that somewhere, Chris and Zoey are still fighting to come home. We—strangers bound by compassion—must become the eyes and ears for the rescue teams.
How you can help right now:
- Share this post: Spread the information to hiking groups, kayaking communities, and residents of the North Carolina coast.
- Be Observant: If you are near Cape Hatteras, look for any unusual signs on the water or washed-up items.
- Keep Praying: Keep Chris and Zoey in your thoughts and offer strength to his family.
If you have any information, please contact the National Park Service or your local police department immediately.
We will not give up until Chris and Zoey are found. Hope has not faded, and the love of the community will be the lighthouse that brings them home.
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