TX TX - Gary "PJ" Marcantel, Jr., 38, missing after calling 911 to get help with his car, found on Hwy 207, Armstrong County, 18 Jan 2025

[MelmothTheLost]

Maybe he didn’t have one, it was flat, missing tools (jack/lugwrench), etc.

Or maybe the wheel nuts were too tight for him to be able to loosen. He sounds like a fit and strong chap but sometimes loosening over-tightened wheel nuts is simply beyond human strength.

 

[starlightstarbright]

Or maybe the wheel nuts were too tight for him to be able to loosen. He sounds like a fit and strong chap but sometimes loosening over-tightened wheel nuts is simply beyond human strength.

Or he just didn’t have any of it. I bought a brand new car in 2020. It wasn’t until 6 months later when I got a flat that I went to get the spare and jack out and it was empty. Apparently, a spare is an optional extra and I didn’t pay for it. Real pain. I refused to buy it on principle and suffered through 4 years of awkward flats before I sold it.

Anyway, back to PJ, I think he may not have been thinking clearly from the start because of the all night driving and lack of sleep. We know now that he probably didn’t stop to sleep based on the timeline and the report that he had been walking 4 hours before he rang 911. That accounts for the previous missing time.

Sadly, he is most certainly out there, but not easy to see because of what he was wearing. If it really was that pink shirt, I think it would blend right into the red of the canyon. MOO

 

[MelmothTheLost]

Or he just didn’t have any of it. I bought a brand new car in 2020. It wasn’t until 6 months later when I got a flat that I went to get the spare and jack out and it was empty. Apparently, a spare is an optional extra and I didn’t pay for it. Real pain. I refused to buy it on principle and suffered through 4 years of awkward flats before I sold it.

Yes, there is that as well. Apparently the manufacturers of ICE cars have stopped supplying a spare wheel as standard because it is, to them, an easy win in terms of reducing the weight of the vehicle. For "climate" reasons, of course. Regardless of the impact on driver safety and security.

Also apparently, the manufacturers of electric vehicles don't include a spare wheel because the battery and its supporting equipment takes up so much space. Many (most?) EVs don't include space to carry one even as an optional extra.

Anyway, back to PJ, I think he may not have been thinking clearly from the start because of the all night driving and lack of sleep. We know now that he probably didn’t stop to sleep based on the timeline and the report that he had been walking 4 hours before he rang 911. That accounts for the previous missing time.

Sadly, he is most certainly out there, but not easy to see because of what he was wearing. If it really was that pink shirt, I think it would blend right into the red of the canyon. MOO

You also make a good point about his possible tiredness. It crossed my mind that it might have led to a momentary mental health break which induced paranoia or psychosis and sent him fleeing into the brush from imaginary "thems".

 

[CrimeDawg123]

Or he just didn’t have any of it. I bought a brand new car in 2020. It wasn’t until 6 months later when I got a flat that I went to get the spare and jack out and it was empty. Apparently, a spare is an optional extra and I didn’t pay for it. Real pain. I refused to buy it on principle and suffered through 4 years of awkward flats before I sold it.

Anyway, back to PJ, I think he may not have been thinking clearly from the start because of the all night driving and lack of sleep. We know now that he probably didn’t stop to sleep based on the timeline and the report that he had been walking 4 hours before he rang 911. That accounts for the previous missing time.

Sadly, he is most certainly out there, but not easy to see because of what he was wearing. If it really was that pink shirt, I think it would blend right into the red of the canyon. MOO

"All night driving" often involves some chemical aids which is what I suspect was a big contributing factor here. This reminds me of that truck driver in Iowa.

 

[Jmohan85]

If his car broke down, why did he call 911 instead of a tow truck? If someone offered him a ride, why did he leave his ID and belongings in the car?

Exactly my thought!

 

[tlorik]

RE the 911 call - in a very rural area, the phone may have only allowed emergency calls. I've seen it come up on my phone before and it's a little eerie. Maybe that was the only number he could call?

 

[mlhenn]

Unable to find an update.

 

[MAHBOOBOO]

I love Texas with all my heart and I respect LE, but I tell ya what... I pray to God I never go missing in a rural Texas county because it seems only my family will be talking about me after that first week.

 

[aggiekel2005]

I love Texas with all my heart and I respect LE, but I tell ya what... I pray to God I never go missing in a rural Texas county because it seems only my family will be talking about me after that first week.

Fellow Texan here and I agree with this sentiment.

 

[dalsglen]

Unfortunately Gary is still missing. I saw his dad had shared this post by Heal Corps back in March, looking to head up search efforts.

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[CrimeDawg123]

Fellow Texan here and I agree with this sentiment.

Same

 

[mlhenn]

Texas authorities seek help in search for missing man

Residents in Oklahoma are being asked to help locate a missing Texas man.The Texas Rangers and Armstrong County Sheriff's Office are actively searching for Gary

ktul.com

June 10 2025

Authorities are reaching out to residents in Oklahoma, urging them to report any information regarding Marcantel's whereabouts.

Authorities still searching for missing man in Armstrong County

The Texas Rangers and Armstrong County Sheriff’s Office continue to search for a missing man.

www.newschannel10.com

 

[TwinkieDefense]

June 16, 2025 article

New equipment boosts search for missing Marine veteran

It’s been nearly five months since Gary Joseph “PJ” Marcantel Jr. disappeared on Highway 207 in the canyon in Armstrong County.State funding is enabling the Ar

abc7amarillo.com

[…]

… Thankfully, Senate Bill 22 allowed the Armstrong County Sheriff’s Office to get a UTV.”

[…]