The National Park Service continues to seek information from the public to assist in locating Christopher Lee Palmer, 39, who was officially declared a missing person by Arkansas authorities on Jan. 16.
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.
On Jan. 12, NPS law enforcement rangers located Palmer’s vehicle, which was stuck on the beach at Cape Hatteras National Seashore. According to visitor reports, the vehicle was also stuck on the beach on Jan. 11. The blue and white kayak, which was observed in traffic camera footage, was not in the vehicle and has not yet been found.
“Palmer is believed to be traveling with his German shepherd and may still be in the area,” the news release read.
In a Thursday, Jan. 22, update, the NPS said that upon review of Dare County traffic camera footage, investigators believe Palmer’s truck was in Dare County, N.C., as early as the afternoon of Jan. 9. At the time, a blue and white kayak was seen 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,” the post read.
Visitors also noted that the truck had been stuck on the beach on Jan. 11, a day before park rangers located the vehicle.
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“The blue and white kayak, which was observed in traffic camera footage, was not in the vehicle and has not yet been found,” the post continued.
Palmer is described as approximately 5’ 6” tall, with blue eyes and strawberry-blond hair, the NPS said.
As reported by The Charlotte Observer, relatives noted on social media that Palmer and his dog Zoey had gone camping in a number of national parks in the area since December. They said that he would call the family to let them where he was going and when he was returning.
