Vanished in the Snow: The Unsolved Disappearance of Matthew Dean from Clallam Bay

A Journey Interrupted: The Disappearance of Matthew Dean

On the morning of January 14, 2020, Matthew Warren Dean, a 38-year-old Native American man and member of the Makah Tribe, set out from his home in Neah Bay, Washington, intending to drive approximately 70 miles to Port Angeles. He borrowed a white 2007 Toyota Camry with Washington license plate BKP7728 for the trip. However, he never reached his destination. Later that evening, during a severe snowstorm, his vehicle was discovered abandoned in a shallow ditch along Highway 112 near milepost 26, about 10 miles southeast of Clallam Bay. Footprints in the snow led away from the car, heading back toward Neah Bay, but there was no sign of Dean himself.

Immediate Search Efforts Amid Harsh Conditions

The discovery of Dean's abandoned vehicle prompted an immediate search by the Clallam County Sheriff's Office. Search-and-rescue teams, including scent dogs and a drone, were deployed to scour the area despite challenging weather conditions. The snow was approximately 18 inches deep, complicating the search efforts. Despite these efforts, no trace of Dean was found, and the physical search was called off after three days. The case then transitioned into an investigative phase.

Renewed Searches Yield No New Clues

In the months following Dean's disappearance, additional search efforts were conducted. In September 2020, teams from Clallam, Mason, Kitsap, and Whatcom counties, along with Clallam County Fire District 5 and the Clallam County Amateur Radio Emergency Service, conducted a renewed search in the areas surrounding Burnt Mountain Road, state highways 112 and 113, and the Pysht River. Despite these extensive efforts, no new evidence regarding Dean's whereabouts was discovered.

Unconfirmed Sightings and Ongoing Investigation

Following the cessation of physical search efforts, the investigation into Dean's disappearance continued. There were unconfirmed reports of sightings of Dean in areas ranging from Clallam Bay to Port Angeles. One such report suggested he was seen at a business in Port Angeles. However, none of these sightings could be conclusively verified. The Clallam County Sheriff's Office continues to seek information from the public that could assist in locating Dean. ...Read More

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