NEW CLUE 

Surveillance footage sparks eerie kayak riddle as search goes on for missing hiker Chris Palmer who vanished from beach

NEWLY unearthed surveillance of a missing hiker’s now-abandoned truck has captured a telling detail in his disappearance.

The hunt continues for Chris Palmer, 39, who was declared missing after his Ford F-250 was found on the Outer Banks in North Carolina on January 12.

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Chris Palmer, 39, was declared missing after his abandoned truck was found in the Outer Banks in North CarolinaCredit: Facebook/Bren Palmer
 

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The National Park Service said a kayak was seen in the bed of the truck before his vanished – but it was nowhere to be found on the beachCredit: National Park Service  

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The car was left at Cape HatterasCredit: Getty
On Thursday, the National Park Service released a new surveillance image of the truck from January 9 that shows a blue and white kayak in the bed.

The service said that the kayak, along with Palmer and his German Shepard, Zoey, were nowhere to be seen when they found the empty vehicle.

Pings from Palmer’s phone also show it was near Avon on January 10, and near Cape Point on the January 11, which are both in Outer Banks.

Now, they believe Palmer could still be near where his truck was discovered, which was stuck on the beach at Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

It’s been weeks since Palmer’s family has heard from him, with his heartbroken father Bren Palmer saying they hadn’t talked since January 9.

The adventurer was in the midst of a road trip through National Parks in the Southeast, having cruised through Tennessee and Virginia before stopping by the North Carolina beaches.

In an emotional Facebook post, Bren said he was shocked to learn of the truck’s location, as his son had just told him he was heading to Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia.

Palmer was declared missing by authorities in Arkansas, where he’s from, on January 16, when no one claimed the abandoned car.

Now, the NPS is urgently asking for information from the public, especially boaters who have been near Cape Hatteras.

Palmer has been described as standing at 5 feet 6 inches with blue eyes and strawberry-blond hair.

Bren said that his son was normally communicative, and always kept them in the loop when he was traveling.

“I’m asking for prayers that he is found safe,” wrote the worried dad.

Timeline of Chris Palmer’s disappearance

January 9 – Palmer texts his dad and says he is heading to Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia
January 12 – Palmer’s abandoned Ford F-250 is found at Cape Hatteras in the Outer Banks of North Carolina
January 16 – Palmer is declared missing by authorities in Arkansas, where he is from
January 22 – Officials release new surveillance that shows a kayak used to be in the bed of Palmer’s truck

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Palmer was with his German Shepherd Zoey, who is also missingCredit: National Park Service
 
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Palmer appeared to go on a camping trip with his dad a year before he vanishedCredit: Facebook/Bren Palmer
JUST NOW

The disappearance of Chris Palmer, a 39-year-old experienced outdoorsman from Arkansas, and his loyal German Shepherd, Zoey, has captivated public attention as a baffling multi-state mystery. What began as a routine camping trip through national forests in late 2025 took a dramatic turn when Palmer’s red 2017 Ford F-250 truck was discovered abandoned on a remote beach in North Carolina’s Outer Banks—far from his planned route. Recent developments involving the forensic examination of his missing kayak have reportedly introduced new evidence, including minor scratches and traces of unfamiliar DNA, prompting authorities to reassess the case and shift investigative priorities.

Background: A Seasoned Adventurer Vanishes

Chris Palmer was no stranger to the wilderness. Described by family and friends as a former military member with advanced survival training, he was a certified level-5 whitewater rafter who had led expeditions and traveled solo across the U.S. multiple times. He maintained close contact with relatives, sharing itineraries and checking in regularly—a habit that made his sudden silence all the more alarming.

Palmer embarked on his latest adventure in early December 2025, heading to the Smoky Mountains with Zoey. Family posts indicate he camped near Boone Fork from December 10 to December 27. On Christmas Day, he called home to say he was moving to George Washington National Forest in Virginia, expecting to stay until around January 7, 2026. A January 4 text confirmed he was still there, planning to extend his stay. His final message on January 9 came from Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia.

After that, nothing.

On January 12 (or January 10 in some family accounts), National Park Service (NPS) rangers located Palmer’s truck stuck on a secluded stretch of beach at Cape Hatteras National Seashore, near Cape Point outside Buxton, North Carolina. This isolated off-road area—accessible only via designated ramps like Ramp 43—is roughly six hours southeast of his last reported location, in the complete opposite direction from his Appalachian plans.

Inside the vehicle, authorities and family noted:

Keys left in the ignition.
Valuable items untouched: a shotgun, safe, and camping gear.
Personal necessities missing: everyday clothes, winter coat (critical in January’s cold), and Zoey’s dog bowls and supplies.

No signs of struggle were immediately apparent on the truck itself, but the selective removal of items suggested intent—whether voluntary departure, foul play, or something staged.

Palmer was officially declared missing on January 16, 2026, by Arkansas authorities. The NPS issued public appeals, describing him as a white male, 5’6″–5’9″, with strawberry-blonde hair and blue eyes, likely still accompanied by Zoey. They emphasized he may remain in the Cape Hatteras vicinity.

The Kayak: A Key Piece of the Puzzle

Surveillance footage from Dare County traffic cameras added intrigue. It captured Palmer’s truck in the area as early as January 9 afternoon, with a blue-and-white kayak visible in the bed. When the vehicle was recovered, the kayak was gone—nowhere in or near the truck.

Family updates highlighted this: “They could see by the cameras that Christopher had his kayak when he got to the beach.” Witnesses reportedly saw him carrying the kayak upon arrival, and some speculated he paddled to nearby islands or remote areas. Others noted a local claim of a dark-colored kayak drifting at dawn with distant dog barking, though unverified and possibly mismatched.

The absence of the kayak fueled theories: Did Palmer and Zoey set out on the water for an excursion, only to encounter trouble? Rough winter seas, currents, or an accident could explain their vanishing. Zoey, a sizable German Shepherd, might have joined him—common for outdoors enthusiasts—but challenging on choppy ocean waters.

Despite searches involving NPS teams, infrared drones, and ground efforts around Buxton and Cape Hatteras, neither Palmer, Zoey, nor the kayak turned up initially. Public tips were solicited via the NPS Investigative Services Bureau (888-653-0009) or 911.

Latest Development: Forensic Examination Sparks Major Shift

In recent hours, reports have emerged that police have released preliminary results from the forensic examination of Palmer’s recovered kayak (implying it has since been located, though official confirmation remains sparse in mainstream outlets). Sources close to the investigation describe “a few scratches” on the hull—potentially from rocks, debris, or contact with another vessel—and traces of unfamiliar DNA not matching Palmer, Zoey, or known associates.

These findings have reportedly “changed the case immediately.” What was previously treated as a possible kayaking mishap or voluntary disappearance now leans toward foul play or third-party involvement. The scratches suggest possible collision or forced contact, while foreign DNA could indicate another person handled the craft—perhaps during an altercation, abduction, or post-incident tampering.

This pivot intensifies scrutiny on the beach location’s isolation and the truck’s anomalous positioning. Investigators are expanding searches to include nearby islands, lagoons, and forested areas, with renewed calls for witnesses who saw the truck, kayak, or individuals matching Palmer’s description between January 9–12.

Family members remain adamant: Palmer would never abandon Zoey or fail to contact them. His devotion to his dog and disciplined habits rule out simple misadventure in their view.

Broader Implications and Ongoing Search

The case highlights vulnerabilities even for seasoned outdoorspeople—unexpected detours, environmental hazards, or human threats in remote areas. It also underscores the challenges of multi-jurisdictional investigations spanning Arkansas, Virginia, West Virginia, and North Carolina’s federal lands.

As of January 23, 2026, the search continues. No confirmed sightings or breakthroughs have been publicly detailed beyond the kayak forensics, but the new evidence has reinvigorated efforts. Public awareness remains crucial; photos, videos, or recollections from the Outer Banks during that window could prove pivotal.

Images above depict typical scenes from Cape Hatteras National Seashore beaches where Palmer’s truck was found, a red Ford F-250 similar to his vehicle, and a representative blue-and-white kayak model that was reportedly in his possession.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the NPS or local authorities immediately. The hope remains that Chris Palmer and Zoey will be located safely, but these latest forensic insights suggest the truth may involve more than a simple outdoor mishap. The investigation evolves rapidly—stay tuned for official updates.