Deceased/Not Found WV - Christopher Palmer, 39, missing with dog Zoey, last contact 1/9, headed to Monongahela Forest, truck found abandoned in Buxton NC 1/12 2026

[Angelcat13]

Zoey and her dad are at peace.
View attachment 639532

This breaks my heart, while at the same time finding comfort that they are together again.

 

[borndem]

Sadness... and comfort...

 

[ClueFinder1031]

I have been following this case as well, even though I didn't say anything in the post. I would check back when I'd see a new post, and was wondering if he would be found and sadly, my question got answered. My sympathies to his family and friends; it truly is heartbreaking. My wife was getting upset about it too when I read it to her, hell, I had trouble reading her his Dad's Facebook post without choking up.

 

[RedHaus]

I have been following this case as well, even though I didn't say anything in the post. I would check back when I'd see a new post, and was wondering if he would be found and sadly, my question got answered. My sympathies to his family and friends; it truly is heartbreaking. My wife was getting upset about it too when I read it to her, hell, I had trouble reading her his Dad's Facebook post without choking up.

Welcome to Websleuths, @ClueFinder1031. Its great to have you on the team. While you and your wife have shared our sadness, along with Christopher and Zoey's family, as others have said, it is comforting to know the two inseparable beings are still together.

Hopefully we'll hear from you in other cases on Websleuths, even though the outcome can often times be disappointing.

 

[libraryg]

That does look small. I'm trying to envision a good sized man and a large dog fitting in that small kayak.

DBM

 

[charminglane]

Let's all make sure to kiss our beloved pets today.
And think of Chris and his beloved Zoey.

 

[libraryg]

Zoey and her dad are at peace.
View attachment 639532

Absolutely heartbreaking. My prayers go out to the Palmer family and all who loved Christopher and Zoey.

 

[The4TierBridge]

I have been following this case as well, even though I didn't say anything in the post. I would check back when I'd see a new post, and was wondering if he would be found and sadly, my question got answered. My sympathies to his family and friends; it truly is heartbreaking. My wife was getting upset about it too when I read it to her, hell, I had trouble reading her his Dad's Facebook post without choking up.

Human remains have not been found or connected to this MP. This is only a presumption of death due to other circumstances.

 

[ClueFinder1031]

Welcome to Websleuths, @ClueFinder1031. Its great to have you on the team. While you and your wife have shared our sadness, along with Christopher and Zoey's family, as others have said, it is comforting to know the two inseparable beings are still together.

Hopefully we'll hear from you in other cases on Websleuths, even though the outcome can often times be disappointing.

Thank you for welcoming me! I'm glad to be here! I look forward to digging into other cases with you all. You'll definitely hear more from me on other cases here on Websleuths.

 

[lonetraveler]

Thank you for welcoming me! I'm glad to be here! I look forward to digging into other cases with you all. You'll definitely hear more from me on other cases here on Websleuths.

Welcome!

 

[FoxxTraxx]

It sounds like any chance of recovering Christopher's body are remote. There is an unusually strong winter storm predicted for eastern North Carolina. Being anywhere near the surf will be hazardous.

It may be an unpleasant question, but can he be declared as deceased based on the information available?

NC officials warn of rare Outer Banks blizzard with dire 'extreme impact' from deep snow, coastal flooding, cold, wind​

MOREHEAD CITY, N.C. (WNCN) — Authorities in Dare County at the Outer Banks on Friday declared a state of emergency heading into the weekend, with threats of a dangerous snow storm, brutal cold, and flooding.

This weekend’s predictions of 55 mph winds gusting to 70 mph, and 10+ inches of snow, compare to a small but rare snowfall in January 2025. The upcoming storm is also rare in snow amounts and timing — the last time 12 inches of snow hit eastern North Carolina was 36 years ago.

Weather Forecast North Carolina 01/30 - 01/31/2026

 

[mlhenn]

The National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs)

By bringing people, information, forensic science and technology together, NamUs helps resolve cases.

www.namus.gov

Entered into NamUs.


Circumstances of Disappearance
Palmer began a road trip from his home in Missouri on or about 12/14/2025. On 01/09/2026, the family of Mr. Palmer lost cell phone contact with him. On 01/12/2026, Cape Hatteras National Seashore Park Rangers found Palmer's truck parked and un-occupied on the beach near the shoreline. The truck was impounded. On 01/18/2026 the tow truck company advised that the truck had not been claimed, and an investigation began. When Mr. Palmer's father was contacted; he advised that he could not reach his son. A ground search in the area found no clues as to where Mr. Palmer was. Due to the timeframe of the truck being found and the investigation / search commencing, a large-scale water search was not initiated. During the investigation it was learned that Mr. Palmer had a blue and white white-water kayak with him and a 10-year-old German Sheppard dog named "Zoey." Neither the Kayak nor the dog have been located either. A local resident did find a kayak skirt and strap on the beach that the family of Mr. Palmer have identified as the same color and brand that Mr. palmer used.