United Cajun Navy seeks aerial aid in search for missing Chris Palmer
Chris Palmer’s father is calling on the United Cajun Navy to help find Chris and his dog, Zoey.
As of January 22nd, 2026, the National Park Service has provided an update and a new picture showing that the red Ford F150 was in Dare County, NC, as early as January 9th, 2026, as it was caught on the Dare County traffic footage with the blue and white kayak in the bed of the truck.
Additional information from the NPS states that Chris’s phone pinged near Avon on the evening of January 10th, 2026, and near Cape Point in Buxton on January 11th, 2026.
At this time, the search for Chris Palmer and his dog Zoey remains ongoing.
Information that we previously knew is included below.
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.
Anyone with information is asked to call the NPS Tip Line at 888-653-0009.
mmediately at 1-844-482-6289.
UNCONFIRMED DETAILS SHAKE THE CASE: 1 WITNESS confirms Chris Palmer was not the driver of the truck into North Carolina — and phone tracking data doesn’t even prove he was carrying a phone. That single uncertainty is now shaking up the entire timeline…
The disappearance of 39-year-old Chris Palmer from Arkansas and his German Shepherd, Zoey, has become increasingly shrouded in uncertainty as unconfirmed online claims circulate about a “single witness” asserting that Palmer was not the driver of his red 2017 Ford F-250 into North Carolina, combined with suggestions that phone tracking data does not definitively prove he was carrying or using the phone. These purported details are said to “shake up the entire timeline,” implying possible theft, impersonation, or foul play that could place Palmer elsewhere (e.g., still in the Appalachians) while his vehicle and device were moved by someone else.
As of January 23–24, 2026, no official statements from the National Park Service (NPS), Dare County authorities, Arkansas law enforcement, or family members (including father Bren Palmer) corroborate a witness claiming Palmer was not driving, nor do they question the phone data in this way. Recent NPS releases (January 20–22) and media reports explicitly rely on traffic camera footage and cell phone pings to anchor the timeline in the Outer Banks, with searches continuing there. This latest rumor fits the pattern of escalating, unsubstantiated speculation (e.g., prior claims of DNA on fabric, buried dry bags, shocking phone contents) that have spread via social media and clickbait-style posts but lack verification from credible sources.
Core Facts from Official and Verified Updates
Palmer, an experienced outdoorsman with military background, level-5 whitewater skills, and a habit of regular family check-ins, was on a winter camping trip with Zoey.
December 8–27, 2025: Camped near Boone Fork in the Smoky Mountains.
December 25: Called family, planning George Washington National Forest (Virginia) until ~January 7, 2026.
January 4: Text confirming extension in George Washington National Forest.
January 9: Final contact—text about heading to Monongahela National Forest (West Virginia); sent terrain video due to spotty service.
No further communication—uncharacteristic for Palmer, who family say was bonded with Zoey and reliable.
On January 12, 2026, NPS rangers found the truck stuck on a remote beach at Cape Hatteras National Seashore near Cape Point, Buxton, North Carolina (off Ramp 43)—isolated, off-road access only, ~6+ hours southeast of planned route.
Vehicle details:
Keys in ignition.
Valuables: shotgun, safe, camping gear.
Missing: clothing, winter coat, Zoey’s bowls/supplies.
No signs of struggle.
Declared missing by Arkansas on January 16.
Surveillance Footage and Phone Data: The Timeline Anchor
Dare County traffic cameras show the truck in Dare County as early as January 9 afternoon, with a blue-and-white kayak in the bed. Additional reports place it on the beach January 10–11. The kayak was gone by January 12 recovery.
NPS-confirmed phone pings:
Near Avon evening of January 10.
Near Cape Point, Buxton on January 11.
These align directly with the truck’s path and location—no official indication the phone was not with Palmer or moved separately. Authorities treat this as evidence he (and likely the phone) reached the Outer Banks by January 9–10, despite his January 9 message about West Virginia. No public mention of a witness disputing the driver identity or challenging phone attribution.
Searches focus on Cape Hatteras vicinity: ground teams, infrared drones (for Palmer/Zoey heat), appeals for tips from boaters/locals. United Cajun Navy assists, requesting aerial support (helicopters/planes) for dunes/marshes. Family (via Bren Palmer’s posts and outreach) emphasizes Chris wouldn’t abandon Zoey or vanish voluntarily.
Scrutinizing the Unconfirmed Claim
The alleged witness (described in some social posts as coming forward with video or sightings) reportedly claims Palmer wasn’t driving into NC—potentially implying someone else operated the truck after January 9, perhaps stealing it/phone and leaving Palmer stranded in mountains. Combined with doubts on phone data (e.g., pings not proving possession), this could suggest misdirection or crime.
However:
No mainstream coverage (WRAL, WTKR, WITN, The US Sun, Charlotte Observer, NPS releases) mentions such a witness or driver dispute.
Some public shares note “witnesses” seeing him carrying the kayak or video of truck arrival, but these support Palmer’s presence—not contradict it.
Phone pings are standard cell tower data; without official doubt (e.g., no reports of phone found separately), they link to his movements.
If true, this would prompt major investigative pivot (e.g., mountain searches, vehicle forensics for multiple drivers)—yet efforts remain Outer Banks-focused.
Social media (X posts from awareness accounts, family supporters) amplifies calls for tips, shares the last January 9 video, and urges prayers—without confirming driver/witness shocks.
Implications and Next Steps
The directional mismatch (West Virginia plan vs. NC reality) already raises questions about why/how he detoured—accident, intent, coercion? Even experts face coastal risks: currents, hypothermia, isolation. Selective missing items hint at water excursion (kayak theory), but silence and anomaly fuel concern.
Public tips critical—January 9–12 in Cape Hatteras/Buxton:
Truck sightings (stuck/moving).
Man with German Shepherd.
Blue-and-white kayak activity.
Beach/drone/boat photos/videos.
Contact:
NPS Investigative Services Bureau: 888-653-0009
NPS online tip form
911 for immediate concerns
These images capture Cape Hatteras National Seashore’s remote beaches, dunes, and oceanfront isolation—key search areas where the truck was found.
Representative red Ford F-250 and blue-and-white kayak matching descriptions/surveillance.
German Shepherd in coastal/outdoor settings, evoking Zoey.
The investigation evolves; no evidence supports the driver/phone uncertainty claim at this time. Rely on NPS/family/United Cajun Navy for confirmed developments—share responsibly to aid leads. Hope for safe return persists.
