Chris Palmer, 39, disappeared in the Outer Banks with his dog and is now believed to have died after belongings linked to him were found along the coast. His truck was recovered on a North Carolina beach on Jan. 12; he last spoke with family on Jan. 9. On Jan. 24 the family announced they were stopping active search efforts and revealed Palmer had been facing a terminal illness, which they say may explain his choices. The family thanked volunteers and responders and asked for privacy while seeking closure.
Missing Outer Banks Hiker Believed Dead After Family Reveals He Faced Terminal Illness
National Park ServiceChris Palmer kneeling beside his dog, Zoey
Chris Palmer, a 39-year-old hiker who disappeared in the Outer Banks region of North Carolina while traveling with his dog, is now believed to have died after personal items connected to him were found along the coastline.
Family Statement and New Information
On Jan. 24, Palmer's father, Bren Palmer, announced on Facebook that the family had made the difficult decision to suspend active search efforts. In that post he revealed the family had "recently learned that Christopher was facing a terminal illness," and said that knowledge helped them understand some of the choices they believe their son made.
"Christopher loved the outdoors and valued his independence. The treatments ahead would have taken much of that away, and he did not want that future for himself," Bren Palmer wrote. He added that finding Christopher’s belongings near the shoreline led the family to believe he "perished in the sea."
Search Timeline and Official Details
The National Park Service (NPS) declared Palmer missing after his truck was located on a North Carolina beach on Jan. 12, three days after he last communicated with family members on Jan. 9. NPS statements said Palmer was believed to be traveling with his German shepherd and "may still be in the area" during early search efforts.
National Park ServiceChris Palmer's vehicle and kayak on the afternoon of Jan. 9, 2026
Investigators later reviewed Dare County traffic camera footage and determined Palmer's truck had been in Dare County as early as the afternoon of Jan. 9. The footage showed a blue-and-white kayak in the bed of the vehicle at that time. When the vehicle was recovered on the beach, it was not in the same condition shown in the earlier footage.
Search Efforts, Community Response, And Family Requests
Authorities searched near Buxton with teams and infrared drones, and volunteers joined the effort. Bren Palmer publicly thanked search groups and the many volunteers who helped, specifically naming the United Cajun Navy, first responders and community members who assisted. The family asked for privacy and respect as they seek closure.
Bren also noted that Chris had recently traveled to the Smoky Mountains to camp with his dog Zoey and that he often camped in national forests, typically informing family of his plans and expected return times. Before the truck was found, Chris had said that cell service became too spotty to remain in contact.
Outlook
The family’s announcement and the discovery of personal items have led them to accept that Chris likely died at sea. Officials have not confirmed the exact circumstances of his disappearance, and the NPS continues to be the source for official updates. The family has asked that Christopher’s memory be respected as they pursue closure.
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