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