Here is why I feel the suicide theory doesn't fit. Usually, a person will either leave a note or something behind to indicate they were contemplating such a thing before disappearing. Yes, I know some folks commit suicide without a warning, but usually, those are the ones that are found immediately from a drug overdose, slitting wrists, hanging, gun shot wound to the head, etc. Very rare does a person who is planning to commit suicide not leave some kind of clue or reason as to why and is usually found within a short period of time if it was something spontaneous. Those who come from loving families and close friends don't set out to hurt them and just wouldn't torture them like this by picking a difficult place to find his body.
Adam just didn't appear to be the kind of person to lead his loved ones on a wild goose chase like this, hoping for the best but contemplating the worst. It just doesn't fit with him, at least that is my vibe and opinion on this.
I still wonder if the candle being blown out was a clue left behind that in case something happened to him, look to a current lover or ex to be responsible for whatever happened to him. If he was being stalked by someone, he might not have known their name at the time he disappeared. If it was an ex lover or current lover, the candle may represent that person to him.
RBBM.
Adam does seem like a very caring, kind human being: Someone I would love to have as a friend.
I think it’s possible he had been struggling for a while, and that if he did commit suicide, it wasn’t necessarily an impulsive act.
In the video he sent to his friend after finding out she is now cancer-free, he seems to be suffering from self-loathing, IMO:
https://vimeo.com/249049182
I also noticed the video cuts off rather abruptly, which makes me wonder what else he might have said, if any (and I don’t blame the friend whatsoever for wanting to protect his/her privacy).
In his IG post on the day he graduated from the nursing program, he mentions he has been accepted into the Psych DNP Program at the U of W. What was it that got him interested in Psychiatry?
https://www.instagram.com/p/BUAjYhShLqP/
I also noticed about the “candle video” that he didn’t geotag the location:
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bctw0SDByas/
Going through his posts from this past year, he almost always provides location information unless he is at someone’s home. It’s like he didn’t want whoever that was going to see the post to know where he was. And then almost immediately, his phone is shut off.
I wouldn’t be so concerned about the video if it weren’t for the blowing out of the candle/flame, and the fact that Adam teaches yoga and thus is likely at least familiar with Eastern religions and philosophies. That part is so symbolic to me.
This is purely my personal opinion, but whether planned or spontaneous, a suicidal person is not thinking rationally. I highly doubt that Adam wanted to hurt his family in any way. Rather, in his irrational mind, he might have thought his family would be better off without him.
As far as location, I do think he is likely close because, as you said, he wouldn’t want to torture his family. I lean towards bodies of water and wooded areas nearby, only because he seems like a nature lover, but I would also search empty buildings and vacant rental properties in the area.
I just wish there was something I could do to help. I also hope that LE is working behind the scenes and doing everything they can to help find Adam.