Missing Since: 1971-07-10 Location: None, New York
Douglas was last seen on July 10, 1971 in Essex County, New York. He was visiting his uncle at the family’s 12,500-acre estate in the Santanoni Preserve in Newcomb at the time. On the day of his disappearance, Douglas went on a family hike in the Adirondack wilderness. His uncle sent him back to camp at 3:30 p.m. to change into long pants, as his shorts wouldn’t protect him against the poison ivy on the trail. Douglas had gone hiking many times in the local area and was very familiar with it. He only had to walk 150 yards to get to his campsite, which was within sight of the main camp. He never arrived there, however, and has never been heard from again. An extensive search, lasting six weeks and largely financed by Douglas’s wealthy family, turned up no indication of his whereabouts. He was in the third grade at the time of his disappearance, and resided in Baldwinsville, New York. His loved ones describe him as a happy, healthy, normal child. Although there were rumors that foul play was involved in his case, most investigators believe Douglas became lost or died in an accident in the wilderness. His case remains unsolved. Investigating Agency New York State Police 518-897-2044 Source Information The Doe Network The Syracuse Herald Journal The Lowell Sun NamUs The Syracuse Post-Star New York State Missing Persons The Decatur Daily Review New York State Police Updated 6 times since October 12, 2004. Last updated May 19, 2024; details of disappearance updated.