Vanished Without a Trace: The Unsolved Disappearance of Robert Allen Dale Jr.

A Night of Celebration Turns Mysterious

On May 18, 1996, 33-year-old Robert Allen Dale Jr., affectionately known as "Bob," attended a wedding reception in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, with his wife, Kristi. The evening, filled with joy and celebration, took a perplexing turn that would leave Bob's family and the community searching for answers for decades. After the reception, the couple planned to continue the festivities at the Downtowner Bar, a popular local establishment. Witnesses reported seeing their van heading northbound on 6 Mile Road around 11:15 p.m., with Bob reportedly passed out in the passenger seat due to intoxication .

Conflicting Accounts and a Recanted Sighting

Initial reports suggested that Bob was seen behind the Downtowner Bar between 11:30 p.m. and midnight. However, this account was later called into question when the sole witness recanted their statement, leading investigators and the Dale family to believe that Bob never made it downtown that night . This revelation shifted the focus of the investigation back to the area around 6 Mile Road, where Bob was last definitively seen.

The Investigation and Search Efforts

Bob's disappearance was reported to the Sault Ste. Marie Police Department on May 20, 1996. Despite extensive searches involving local law enforcement, auxiliary police, and volunteers, no trace of Bob was found. Areas searched included the vicinity of Mackinac Trail, 5 ½ Mile Road, Kewadin Casino, and as far south as Prentiss Bay Road . The lack of physical evidence and the recanted downtown sighting left investigators with few leads.

A Dedicated Family's Pursuit of Answers

Bob's family, particularly his brother Scott, has remained steadfast in their quest for answers. Scott manages a Facebook page titled "Find Bob Dale," which serves as a platform to share information, gather tips, and keep the public engaged in the search for Bob . The family has expressed their belief that foul play was involved in Bob's disappearance, citing his strong family ties and character as reasons he would not have left voluntarily....Read More

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