Missing Since: 1977-02-18 Location: Atchison, Kansas
Jeremy was last seen in the Potato Hill area of south Atchison, Kansas on February 18, 1977. He was at a babysitter’s home and she allowed him to play outside in the yard with her own four-year-old son. This was the first time the babysitter had let Jeremy out to play alone. He wandered away, walking east, and has never been heard from again. A five-day search of the area turned up no sign of him. Jeremy’s babysitter’s home was about 400 yards from the Missouri River, and dogs tracked Jeremy’s scent to its banks; authorities believe the child fell into the river and drowned. His body has never been recovered, however, in spite of a massive search. At the time of his disappearance, Jeremy lived with his parents in the 200 block of north Eleventh Street. His family held a memorial service for him two weeks after he was last seen. His mother, Melodye Hathaway, published a book about her son’s disappearance called In Search of Jeremy: A Mother’s Story. Investigating Agency Kansas Bureau of Investigation 785-296-8200 Source Information The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children Facebook Page for Jeremy Coots Find a Grave For the Lost NamUs In Search of Jeremy: A Mother’s Story The Atchison Daily Globe The Sikeston Daily Standard The Topeka Capital-Journal Updated 7 times since October 12, 2004. Last updated November 23, 2025; picture added.