New details released as search continues for missing man whose phone pinged near Avon, Buxton

The National Park Service continues to seek information from the public to assist in locating Christopher Lee Palmer, 39, who was officially declared a missing person by Arkansas authorities on Jan. 16.

After a review of Dare County traffic camera footage, investigators have determined that Palmer’s red 2017 Ford F-250 was in Dare County, North Carolina, as early as the afternoon of Jan. 9. A blue and white kayak was observed in the back of the vehicle. Additionally, pings to Palmer’s mobile phone indicate that the phone was located near Avon on the evening of Jan. 10 and near Cape Point in Buxton on Jan. 11.

On Jan. 12, NPS law enforcement rangers located Palmer’s vehicle, which was stuck on the beach at Cape Hatteras National Seashore. According to visitor reports, the vehicle was also stuck on the beach on Jan. 11. The blue and white kayak, which was observed in traffic camera footage, was not in the vehicle and has not yet been found.

Palmer is believed to be traveling with his German shepherd and may still be in the area. Information from the public, including boaters, may help with ongoing investigative efforts. Anyone with information on Palmer’s whereabouts is encouraged to come forward.

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

How to Submit Information

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

Chris Palmer vehicle on Jan. 9, 2026.

The disappearance of 39-year-old Chris Palmer from Arkansas and his German Shepherd, Zoey, remains an active and perplexing investigation as of January 23, 2026. The latest viral claim circulating online—an “exclusive” report of investigators discovering a waterlogged dry bag buried under seagrass on a narrow sand stretch, containing Palmer’s exact size gloves, plus a new detail on his last known GPS location—has heightened speculation. However, no official sources from the National Park Service (NPS), local law enforcement, or family statements confirm this development. Searches across news outlets, NPS releases, and recent social media activity show no mention of such a find or GPS breakthrough beyond previously reported phone pings.

This pattern aligns with earlier unverified rumors (e.g., kayak scratches/DNA, shocking passenger-seat discoveries) that spread rapidly but lacked substantiation. The case continues to focus on established facts: Palmer’s truck found abandoned far from his planned route, the missing kayak, and ongoing searches in North Carolina’s Outer Banks.

Established Timeline and Key Facts

Chris Palmer, an experienced outdoorsman with military training, level-5 whitewater certification, and a history of solo expeditions, began his trip in early December 2025. He was communicative, sharing plans and check-ins with family.

December 8–27, 2025: Camping near Boone Fork in the Smoky Mountains.
December 25: Called family, heading to George Washington National Forest (Virginia), planning to stay until ~January 7, 2026.
January 4: Text confirming extension in George Washington National Forest.
January 9: Final contact—text stating move to Monongahela National Forest (West Virginia); sent short terrain video amid spotty signal.

No further communication followed, unusual for Palmer, who was devoted to Zoey and family.

On January 12, 2026, NPS rangers located his red 2017 Ford F-250 stuck on a remote beach at Cape Hatteras National Seashore near Cape Point, Buxton, North Carolina—an isolated off-road area accessible via ramps like Ramp 43. This spot is ~6+ hours southeast of his last plans, in the opposite direction.

Vehicle details:

Keys in ignition.
Valuables present: shotgun, safe, camping gear.
Essentials missing: clothing, winter coat (essential in January cold), Zoey’s bowls/supplies.
No immediate signs of struggle.

The truck went unclaimed, leading Arkansas authorities to declare Palmer missing on January 16.

Surveillance and Kayak Developments

Dare County traffic cameras captured the truck in the area as early as January 9 afternoon, with a blue-and-white kayak in the bed. Visitor reports place it on the beach January 10–11. When recovered January 12, the kayak was gone—fueling theories Palmer may have paddled out (fitting his skills) but encountered hazards like winter currents or cold water.

NPS searches involve ground teams, infrared drones (for heat signatures, including Zoey’s), and appeals for tips from boaters/locals. The United Cajun Navy has joined, with family (including father Bren Palmer) requesting aerial support (helicopters/planes) for challenging terrain.

Phone data (mentioned in some public shares) placed pings near Avon evening of January 10 and Cape Point January 11—consistent with the truck’s path but not a “new” GPS reveal beyond what’s circulated.

Addressing the Latest “Exclusive” Claim

The reported discovery—a waterlogged dry bag buried under seagrass containing Palmer’s size gloves—would represent major evidence: suggesting intentional burial, possible foul play, or post-incident activity. Gloves matching his size could link to him directly, while burial implies concealment. A “new detail” on last known GPS might pinpoint activity beyond prior pings.

Yet, as of the latest updates (NPS January 20–22 releases, regional coverage from WITN, WRAL, WTKR, Charlotte Observer, People.com, and The US Sun), no such item or GPS update is mentioned. Family-linked posts and United Cajun Navy appeals emphasize sharing existing details (kayak sightings, truck photos, Zoey descriptions) rather than new finds. Social media focuses on awareness, prayers, and calls for aerial help—no leaks or confirmations of buried items.

If verified, this would shift the case significantly (e.g., toward targeted search in seagrass/marsh areas or foul play scrutiny). Sensational phrasing mirrors unconfirmed prior rumors, often amplified for engagement without official backing.

Ongoing Efforts and Broader Context

The investigation spans jurisdictions (Arkansas declaration, NPS federal lands in NC). Even skilled adventurers face risks: tides, hypothermia, isolation, or rare human threats. The truck’s location and missing essentials suggest possible water excursion gone wrong, voluntary detour, or other factors—but family insists Palmer wouldn’t abandon Zoey or vanish silently.

Public tips remain vital:

NPS Investigative Services Bureau: 888-653-0009
Online: NPS tip form
Emergency: 911 for active sightings

outerbanks.com

legendsofamerica.com

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These images show typical scenes from Cape Hatteras National Seashore: remote beaches with dunes, seagrass fringes, and narrow sand stretches where searches continue.

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Representative examples of waterproof dry bags—common gear for kayakers/outdoorsmen to protect items from water/sand.

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andrewskurka.com

Typical outdoor/waterproof gloves similar to what an experienced camper like Palmer might use.

The search persists with hope for safe resolution. Developments evolve quickly—rely on official NPS channels or family/United Cajun Navy updates for confirmed news. Anyone in the area January 9–12 with photos, videos, or recollections (truck, kayak, man with dog) should contact authorities immediately.