VT VT - Matthew Houskeeper, 59, last seen getting a haircut, car missing, phone inactive, missed work, Manchester, 14 Aug 2024

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Authorities are searching for a missing North Bennington man.

Bennington Police say Matthew Houskeeper, 59, failed to show up for work Thursday and co-workers requested a welfare check. An investigation determined that was last seen on Wednesday morning for a scheduled appointment in Manchester.

Police say Houskeeper’s 2023 white Subaru Crosstrek -- with Vermont plates HMY330 -- is missing and that his cell phone is not active.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Bennington Police: at 802-442-1030.
Screenshot 2024-08-16 at 1.48.15 PM.png

 
8/14/2024 9 am haircut at Camille's Hair Salon in Manchester
8/15/2024 10 am did not show up for a scheduled shift at Kevin’s Sports Pub in North Bennington
“We have friends looking around reservoirs and lakes,” said Erica Houskeeper. (sister) “I also contacted Vermont State Parks.”
 
His last FB posts date from 2 days ago
I am not on FB but am able to see his public photos. Seems like a sociable, well-liked man. My hunch is an accident and perhaps his car is off the road??

jmo
 
And an additional photo from

1723831754368.jpeg
 
I am not on FB but am able to see his public photos. Seems like a sociable, well-liked man. My hunch is an accident and perhaps his car is off the road??

jmo

Camille’s hair salon in Machester is @

20 Haines Manor Rd, Manchester​

To go to Kevin’s pub these are the possible routes. IMO as well it may well be an accident along the route
1723832396779.jpeg
 
He had his kayak with him per this article. He had a whole day ahead of him after his haircut before he had to report to work the next day. Seems like he could have been planning on a paddle somewhere. Trouble is, where? A kayak is generally easy to put in at a lake, stream, river, etc., and you really only need a place to pull your car over nearby.

I searched Google Maps, and of course there are loads of bodies of water in VT, NY, and NH where he might have gone. However, one possibility is Lake Shaftsbury State Park, which lies between the salon and his residence in North Bennington. There is a cartop boat launch on the east side of the lake with an adjacent parking lot. I wonder if he launched there and experienced trouble or a health event?

As his phone is shut down, I could see water submersion as a potential cause.

It appears by news reports that state parks have been notified, so I am certain the parking lots are being searched for his Subaru.

I hope I am heading down the wrong track here, and he is found healthy and sound very soon.
 
He had his kayak with him per this article. He had a whole day ahead of him after his haircut before he had to report to work the next day. Seems like he could have been planning on a paddle somewhere. Trouble is, where? A kayak is generally easy to put in at a lake, stream, river, etc., and you really only need a place to pull your car over nearby.

I searched Google Maps, and of course there are loads of bodies of water in VT, NY, and NH where he might have gone. However, one possibility is Lake Shaftsbury State Park, which lies between the salon and his residence in North Bennington. There is a cartop boat launch on the east side of the lake with an adjacent parking lot. I wonder if he launched there and experienced trouble or a health event?

As his phone is shut down, I could see water submersion as a potential cause.

It appears by news reports that state parks have been notified, so I am certain the parking lots are being searched for his Subaru.

I hope I am heading down the wrong track here, and he is found healthy and sound very soon.
If he went kayaking, it does help focus searches, perhaps, if they can start with places to launch the kayak and look for his vehicle.

Because his vehicle hasn't been found, makes me wonder if he accidently drove off the road.

jmo
 
I am not on FB but am able to see his public photos. Seems like a sociable, well-liked man. My hunch is an accident and perhaps his car is off the road??
Quite sociable - and often on the go. He's been in both Massachusetts and Connecticut within the last 10 days. Other places in July. He may not even be in Vermont.
 
“Houskeeper’s vehicle, a white 2023 Subaru Crosstrek, was found abandoned around 11:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 16, near 2445 Tunnel. St. in Whitingham, near the Sherman Reservoir.”

 
“Houskeeper’s vehicle, a white 2023 Subaru Crosstrek, was found abandoned around 11:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 16, near 2445 Tunnel. St. in Whitingham, near the Sherman Reservoir.”


Doesn't say if the kayak was on it. I'm assuming not. This isn't looking good for Mr. Houskeeper. :(
 
Here is a description of the reservoir. There are some hazards - The Sherman Reservoir straddles the Vermont and Massachusetts border. There are power generation facilities located at the Sherman Dam in Rowe, Massachusetts to the south and, a tunnel, conducting water from Harriman Reservoir 2.5 miles away (Snip) At about mile 1.6 the reservoir becomes a river with large rocks and a cold current. Eventually it becomes impassable especially in the autumn when only a minimum flow is present. (Snip) Read and observe the sign! This is where the discharge from power generation enters from Harriman Reservoir. Warnings are given by a horn and flashing light just before discharge. The water can rise quickly and create a strong current. Sherman Reservoir on VT/MA border
 
His last FB posts date from 2 days ago
Beautiful posts all the way through...
Especially regarding his mother in2022. Twas quite moved....
 
Beautiful posts all the way through...
Especially regarding his mother in2022. Twas quite moved....

Awww, he looks like such a special guy. I feel sad and I don't even know him. I wonder if he's a twin. He and a man he's pictured with (at a table with 3 others) look so much alike.
 
Last edited:
Nothing really new here, just the most recent update regarding finding his vehicle, in his local newspaper.
He has lots of friends, and there are more search parties out this morning...


This is my very local environment. Basically, there is fabulous water everyhwhere.... so just hoping the necessary resources can follow the currents and the streams in their likely paths.
 
Awww, he looks like such a special guy. I feel sad and I don't even know him. I wonder if he's a twin. He and a man he's pictured with (at a table with 3 others) look so much alike.

He is one of 7!!! So likely a brother or two!!
 

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