National Park Service seeks help locating missing man last seen near Cape Hatteras

The National Park Service continues to ask for the public’s help in locating a missing man who may still be in the Cape Hatteras area, as investigators release new details about his movements before he disappeared.

According to Cape Hatteras National Seashore officials, Christopher Lee Palmer, 39, was officially declared a missing person by Arkansas authorities on Jan. 16. Palmer was last in contact with family members on Jan. 9, 2026.

After reviewing Dare County traffic camera footage, investigators determined that Palmer’s red 2017 Ford F-250 was in Dare County as early as the afternoon of Jan. 9. A blue-and-white kayak was seen in the bed of the truck at that time.

National Park Service seeks public’s help in finding missing man in Cape Hatteras area

Authorities also said data from Palmer’s mobile phone shows the phone was near Avon on the evening of Jan. 10 and near Cape Point in Buxton on Jan. 11.

On Jan. 12, National Park Service law enforcement rangers located Palmer’s truck stuck on the beach at Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Visitor reports indicate the vehicle may have been stuck in the same area as early as Jan. 11. The kayak seen in earlier footage was no longer in the vehicle and has not been located.

Officials said Palmer is believed to have been traveling with his German shepherd and may still be in the area. Investigators say information from the public — including boaters — could be critical to ongoing search and investigative efforts.

Palmer is described as white, approximately 5 feet 6 inches tall, with blue eyes and strawberry-blond hair.

Anyone who was in the Cape Point area on the evening of Jan. 11, or who may have information about Palmer’s whereabouts, is urged to contact authorities.

How to submit information

Call: National Park Service Tip Line at 888-653-0009
Online: go.nps.gov/SubmitATip
Email: [email protected]
Emergency: Call 9-1-1