Zachary Bryan Burkey, a 26-year-old lifeguard for the New Orleans Recreation Development Commission, was a reliable and communicative young man. His sudden and uncharacteristic disappearance on the evening of September 16, 2018, left his family deeply concerned. That evening, Zachary left his mother's home in the 3500 block of Camp Street around 7:00 p.m., telling her he was going for a bike ride and would be back soon for work the next morning.
He was last seen wearing a dark gray t-shirt, black athletic shorts, and red and black flip-flops. He rode off on his black mountain bike, which had distinctive thick rims. This was the last time his family would see him.
Shortly after leaving his home, Zachary's bank records show he stopped at a Rally's fast-food restaurant. Later that evening, at 8:23 p.m., surveillance footage captured him at Cooter Brown's Tavern, where he withdrew $80 from an ATM. Witnesses later reported seeing him near the tavern, appearing agitated. The last known sighting of Zachary was around 9:00 p.m. on camera, walking north on South Carrollton Avenue at Jeannette Street, pushing his bike. He was not alone; he was seen with a man later identified as Demetrius Williams. Williams, who was homeless, was later found using Zachary's debit card and was charged with access device fraud.
During questioning, Williams told investigators that he and Zachary had been drinking together and had discussed narcotics. He claimed they were walking with two other individuals known only as 'Buff' and 'Slim Shady.' Williams stated he left Zachary in the company of these two men and never saw him again. Despite this lead, no suspects have been officially named in Zachary's disappearance, and the case remains unsolved. An extensive search by law enforcement, family, and friends has yielded no clues as to his whereabouts. Neither Zachary nor his distinctive mountain bike has ever been found. The disappearance of Zachary Burkey continues to be a painful mystery for his loved ones and the New Orleans community, who hold out hope for answers and closure.Last Seen: Sep 16, 2018
