Chris Palmer and Dog Zoey Missing: Multi‑State Mystery Deepens After Truck Found Abandoned in Buxton, NC

 The disappearance of Chris Palmer, a seasoned outdoorsman and former military member, has become one of the most baffling missing person cases of 2026. Family members and close friends insist this is not a hoax, but a genuine crisis that highlights the failures of law enforcement and media outlets to adequately publicize certain missing persons cases.

Palmer, described as highly intelligent, calculated, and skilled, vanished in early January while traveling through national forests. He had told his family he was headed toward the George Washington National Forest and Monongahela National Forest. Instead, on January 10, 2026, his red Ford F‑250 was discovered abandoned on a beach in Buxton, North Carolina, between Ramp 43 and the Point — a location locals say is not accidental or “on the way” to anywhere.

Inside the truck, investigators found a shotgun, safe, and camping supplies, but missing were his clothes, coat, and dog bowls. Both Palmer and his dog Zoey remain missing.

🧭 Who Is Chris Palmer?

A lifelong acquaintance provided new insights into Palmer’s character and abilities:

• No mental health issues; not suicidal.

• Former military, with survival skills ranked among the elite.

• Certified level 5 whitewater rafter, once leading tours in Colorado.

• Has spent more of his life outdoors than indoors.

• Approximately 5’8”–5’9”, lean build.

• Never married, no children, but deeply devoted to his family.

• Known for being conflict‑averse, skilled at disengaging from antagonistic situations.

• Inseparable bond with his dog Zoey — family insists he would never willingly leave her.

⚠️ Why Family Believes He’s in Danger

Relatives emphasize Palmer’s disappearance is not voluntary:

• He always checked in and shared his plans.

• He had nothing to run from and no ties keeping him in one place.

• His devotion to Zoey and his family makes abandonment implausible.

• The absence of contact suggests he may be severely injured or in serious danger.

💔 Family and Community Response

Palmer’s father has posted appeals online, urging widespread sharing of the case. Friends and supporters echo the sentiment that public attention is often what moves investigations forward when official publicity falls short.

Community members describe the case as a multi‑state mystery, with the truck’s placement in Buxton raising more questions than answers. As one local commented:

“The truck was located between Ramp 43 and the Point. This is not a place people go by accident. Hatteras Island is not ‘on the way’ to anywhere. Whoever drove it here did so intentionally.”

🔎 Call for Awareness

Palmer’s disappearance underscores a troubling reality: many missing persons cases fail to receive adequate coverage, leaving families to rely on grassroots campaigns and social media. Advocates argue that law enforcement and media must do more to ensure cases like Palmer’s are not overlooked.

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