News Release

National Park Service Seeks Public’s Help to Locate Missing Person

Photo of Chris Palmer kneeling next to his dog.

News Release Date: January 20, 2026

Contact: Mike Barber, 252-475-9032

BUXTON, N.C. — The National Park Service is seeking information from the public to assist in locating Chris Palmer, 39, who has been reported missing.

Palmer is described as Caucasian, approximately 5 feet 6 inches tall, with blue eyes and strawberry-blond hair. He was last in contact with family members on Jan. 9, 2026.

On Jan. 12, 2026, National Park Service rangers located Palmer’s red 2017 Ford F-250 stuck on the beach at Cape Hatteras National Seashore. The vehicle remained unclaimed, and Arkansas authorities officially declared Palmer a missing person on Jan. 16, 2026.

Palmer is believed to be traveling with his German shepherd and may still be in the area. While no additional details are available at this time, information from visitors can be critical to ongoing investigative efforts. Anyone who was in the Cape Point area on the evening of Jan. 11, 2026, or who may have information related to Palmer’s whereabouts, is encouraged to come forward.

How to Submit Information

• Call: NPS Tip Line at 888-653-0009

• Online: go.nps.gov/SubmitATip

• Email: [e-mail]

• Emergency: Call 9-1-1