North Carolina – The National Park Service (NPS) is hoping the public can assist in the effort to locate a missing man and his dog. According to the NPS, Chris Palmer, 39, and his German shepherd, Zoey, were traveling together, but they have been declared missing; Palmer’s last known contact with his family was on January 9.
NPS Rangers found Palmer’s red 2017 Ford F-250 stuck on the beach at Cape Hatteras National Seashore on January 12. The vehicle has remained unclaimed and the official declaration that Palmer is “missing” was made on January 16. Palmer’s last phone ping was in the same area where his truck was later found.
The NPS agency said:
Palmer is believed to be traveling with his German shepherd and may still be in the area. While no additional details are available at this time, information from visitors can be critical to ongoing investigative efforts. Anyone who was in the Cape Point area on the evening of Jan. 11, 2026, or who may have information related to Palmer’s whereabouts, is encouraged to come forward.
How to Submit Information
- Call: NPS Tip Line at 888-653-0009
- Online: go.nps.gov/SubmitATip
- Email: nps_isb@nps.gov
- Emergency: Call 9-1-1
Additional Information
Traffic camera video has been found showing a blue and white kayak in the back of Palmer’s truck. The truck found on the beach did not have the kayak in it and it has not been located. From the NPS news release:
After a review of Dare County traffic camera footage, investigators have determined that Palmer’s red 2017 Ford F-250 was in Dare County, North Carolina, as early as the afternoon of Jan. 9. A blue and white kayak was observed in the back of the vehicle. Additionally, pings to Palmer’s mobile phone indicate that the phone was located near Avon on the evening of Jan. 10 and near Cape Point in Buxton on Jan. 11.
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2 Comments
This is so heartbreaking..I can’t imagine what this family must have went through from the day he went missing until they made the choice to accept that Chris is with the Lord. Their story is heartbreaking for sure but there is also beauty in the tragedy..
I hope this man and his dog are found soon.