Missing man’s truck last seen at Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Officials believe Chris Palmer is traveling with his German shepherd and could still be in the Outer Banks area.The National Park Service is working to find missing 39-year-old Chris Palmer, whose truck was found on the beach at Cape Hatteras National Seashore on Jan. 9.

According to the NPS, Palmer was declared a missing person by Arkansas authorities on Jan. 16.

After a review of Dare County traffic camera footage, investigators determined that his red 2017 Ford F-250 was in Dare County, North Carolina, as early as the afternoon of Jan. 9. A blue and white kayak could be seen in the back of the truck.

NPS said pings to Palmer’s phone indicated that the phone was near Avon on the night of Jan. 10 and near Cape Point in Buxton on Jan. 11.

On Jan. 12, NPS law enforcement found his truck stuck on the beach at Cape Hatteras National Seashore. According to visitor reports, the truck was still stuck on the beach the day before.

The kayak was not in the car when it was found on the beach, and the kayak has not been found.

Officials believe Palmer is traveling with his German shepherd and could still be in the Outer Banks area.

Anyone who has seen Palmer or knows where he might be is asked to call the National Park Service tip line at 888-653-0009.

He is approximately 5 feet 6 inches tall, with blue eyes and strawberry blonde hair.

The disappearance of 39-year-old Chris Palmer from Arkansas and his German Shepherd, Zoey, has taken on an increasingly mysterious tone with the emergence of unconfirmed “secret” details circulating online. These claims suggest Palmer viewed kayaking not as mere recreation but as specialized preparation: practicing silent landings, quick kayak securing, and rapid disappearance into water within minutes. Additionally, a piece of marine rope—allegedly found tied with a knot exclusive to whitewater rafting instructors—has been cited as evidence of deliberate, expert-level intent.

As of January 24, 2026 (early hours), no official National Park Service (NPS), law enforcement, family, or mainstream media sources (including recent NPS updates from January 20–22) confirm these specifics. No reports mention recovered marine rope, specialized knots, or revelations about Palmer’s kayaking mindset beyond his known level-5 whitewater certification and outdoor experience. This aligns with prior unverified rumors (e.g., witness driver disputes, buried dry bags, DNA-linked fabric) that have amplified speculation without substantiation. The investigation remains anchored in the Outer Banks, North Carolina, with searches focused on Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

Established Case Details and Timeline

Palmer, described as a former military member with advanced survival skills and a history of solo expeditions, was communicative with family throughout his trip.

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

No subsequent messages or check-ins occurred, contrary to Palmer’s reliable habits and close bond with Zoey.

On January 12, 2026, NPS rangers discovered his red 2017 Ford F-250 truck stuck on a remote beach near Cape Point, Buxton, North Carolina (Cape Hatteras National Seashore, accessible via off-road ramps like Ramp 43). This location is isolated and approximately 6+ hours southeast of his last reported plans—in the opposite direction.

Vehicle observations:

Keys left in ignition.
Valuables present: shotgun, safe, camping gear.
Essentials absent: everyday clothing, winter coat (critical in January), Zoey’s bowls and supplies.
No immediate evidence of struggle or violence.

Arkansas authorities declared him missing on January 16.

Surveillance, Phone Data, and Kayak Element

Dare County traffic camera footage shows the truck in Dare County as early as the afternoon of January 9, with a blue-and-white kayak visible in the bed. Visitor reports noted it stuck on the beach January 10–11. The kayak was missing upon recovery on January 12.

Phone pings (per NPS January 20–22 releases):

Near Avon on the evening of January 10.
Near Cape Point, Buxton on January 11.

These data points align the truck, phone, and presumed movements to the Outer Banks by January 9–10, despite the January 9 West Virginia message. Authorities believe Palmer (likely with Zoey) may remain in the vicinity—possibly having used the kayak for a water-based activity that went awry amid winter conditions.

Addressing the “Secret” Claims: Preparation and Rope/Knot

The circulating narrative portrays Palmer’s kayaking as tactical training—emphasizing stealthy approaches, rapid concealment, and vanishing techniques—potentially implying premeditation, evasion, or specialized purpose rather than casual paddling. The alleged marine rope with an instructor-specific knot (common in whitewater rafting for secure rigging, rescues, or anchoring) could suggest expert handling or staging.

However:

Palmer’s background includes level-5 whitewater certification and leading expeditions, making advanced knot knowledge and practice consistent with his expertise—no official indication it was anything beyond recreational/professional skill-building.
No recovered rope or knot analysis appears in NPS statements, regional news (Island Free Press, WTKR, WRAL, The US Sun), or family appeals.
Searches (including volunteer efforts by United Cajun Navy) prioritize coastal/land areas: beaches, dunes, marshes, forested edges, with infrared drones for heat signatures and calls for aerial support amid weather challenges.
Family (via Bren Palmer’s posts/outreach) stresses Chris’s devotion to Zoey and rules out voluntary disappearance—focusing on the unexplained detour and need for tips, not hidden preparation motives.

If verified, such evidence could shift focus toward intentional actions (e.g., evasion or staging)—but current efforts treat the case as a potential mishap (e.g., kayaking accident in rough seas/currents) or unexplained event, with foul play not ruled out but not elevated by new disclosures.

Search Status and Public Role

NPS and partners continue multi-jurisdictional work, urging tips from January 9–12 in the Cape Hatteras/Buxton area:

Sightings of the truck, man with German Shepherd, blue-and-white kayak.
Beach/water activity, launches, or debris.
Photos/videos from visitors, boaters, drones.

Contact:

NPS Investigative Services Bureau: 888-653-0009
NPS online tip form
911 for immediate concerns

These images illustrate Cape Hatteras National Seashore’s remote beaches near Cape Point—isolated, wave-exposed areas with strong currents and limited access, central to the ongoing search.

Representative blue-and-white kayaks similar to the one seen in surveillance footage of Palmer’s truck bed.

Typical marine ropes and common whitewater/rafting knots (e.g., bowline, figure-eight on a bight, or water knots used for rigging and rescues)—illustrative of gear an experienced kayaker might carry or use.

Scenes of German Shepherds in outdoor/coastal environments, representing Zoey and the bond emphasized by family.

The case evolves amid harsh winter weather; hope persists for a safe resolution. Rely on official NPS channels, family updates, or United Cajun Navy for confirmed information—avoid spreading unverified “secrets” that could hinder leads. Anyone with relevant details should contact authorities promptly.