SC SC - Richard Phelps, 63, seen in the evening, didn't return home, Daufuskie Island, 19 Feb 2026

[GuyfromCanada]

The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s assistance in locating 63-year-old Richard A. Phelps of Daufuskie Island.

Phelps was reported missing by family members today after he did not return home last night (2/19/2026). He was last seen on the island.

He is described as approximately 6 feet tall and weighing about 230 pounds.

Deputies are actively searching Daufuskie Island to locate Phelps and ensure his safe return.

Anyone who knows his whereabouts or has information that could assist in locating him is asked to call the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency dispatch line at 843-524-2777.

https://www.facebook.com/BeaufortCountySheriffsOfficeSC/posts/pfbid0FVL2TSxhYvRCsKqtiJCazD17VeAXrgvmP67G9LAxfGwDs5MNmFyDxXfWLPoQXwSBl

Richard A. Phelps was last seen on the island Thursday evening, according to the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office. Family members reported him missing on Friday.

More at https://www.islandpacket.com/news/local/crime/article314785809.html#storylink=cpy

 

[GraceG]

His middle name may be Allen (very old traffic infraction from the county he went missing from). https://www.sccourts.org/case-records-search/

 

[*LD*]

Less than 500 people live on Daufuski Island. There is no road access. It's where Pat Conroy grew up and where the novel Prince of Tides is set.

 

[*LD*]

Correction. The Pat Conroy novel is The Water is Wide.