01/24/2026
Update: The search for Chris and Zoey ended at the request of the family after information revealed that Chris was terminally ill. It is believed that Zoey, who was an older dog with health issues, passed away before Chris decided to take the kayak out for his final adventure. Continue to pray for his loved ones.
Chris Palmer and his dog Zoey went to camp in the Smoky Mountains on December 8th, 2025, which was not unusual, as he often camps, but what is unusual is that he stopped messaging his family after January 9th, 2026 when he said he was headed to the Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia, and on January 10th, 2026, his truck was found abandoned near Buxton, NC, on the Hatteras National Seashore.
His parents are concerned as he always kept in touch during his camping adventures. His red Ford F250, found far from where he was headed, only deepens their concern.
I am including the original post from his parents below to provide a more detailed timeline and to include the areas he has traveled since December 8th, 2025.
"I don't post alot on here but id like to ask for help.Our son Chris Palmer and his dog Zoey went to the smoky mountains to camp on Dec 8th. He does alot of camping in the national forests. He let's us know when and where he is going and when he is expected to return. He was at the Boone Fork area from Dec 10th till the 27th. He called on the 25th to say he was going to head to the George Washinton National Forest in Virginia Dec 28th said he was going to stay till Jan 7th. Jan 4th he texted said was in George Washington national forest. No specific area but was going to stay another week. Jan 9th he text said he was headed to Monongahala National Forest in West Virginia. He did sent video of the terrain when asked but, said signal was to spotty to talk. However the following Sunday the 18th. We received a phone call from greene county sheriff's department that his truck had been found on the 10th of jan the day after he said he was going to monogahala forest they found his truck a red Ford F250 abandoned on a beach near Buxton north carolina Carolina on Hatteras National seashore hours away in the opposite direction he was headed. No sign of him or his dog Zoey. The national park service are currently searching for him with teams and infrared drones near buxton. Im asking for prayers that he is found safe and send this to friends you might know in the mention areas. Thank you very much."
He is reported as missing, so please report any information you have or possible sightings to Law Enforcement.