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Case Description

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Summary based on the NamUs case record (MP61192) and 6 other sources
In the summer of 2018, 54-year-old Joseph A. Donais, also known as Joe, was in Vancouver, Washington, with plans for a significant life change. On July 22, 2018, he spoke with family members, telling them of his intention to head east to be with relatives. His family is spread along the east coast, from Massachusetts to Florida, but Joseph did not specify a particular destination or a timeline for his travels. He was a man without a driver's license and had indicated that he would not be using public transportation for his cross-country journey. In the days leading up to his departure, he reached out and contacted several people. After these final communications, an unsettling silence fell, and Joseph Donais has not been seen or heard from since.

Joseph is described as a white male, standing between 5'7' and 5'9' and weighing approximately 170 to 180 pounds. He is bald with brown eyes. His appearance is marked by several distinct tattoos and scars that would make him easily identifiable. On one of his arms, he has a tattoo of Korean writing with a praying mantis symbol at the top. His chest bears a tattoo of the world with a peace sign inside of it. He also has a small, circular scar from a cigarette burn on one of his forearms and an eight-inch scar along his spine. At the time of his disappearance, no information was available about the clothing or any personal belongings he may have had with him, nor was there any mention of a companion.

The circumstances surrounding Joseph's disappearance are filled with ambiguity. His intended method of travel for such a long journey remains a significant unanswered question, adding to the concern for his welfare. With no clear destination and no use of conventional transportation, the scope of the search for him is vast and complex. The North Attleboro Police Department in Massachusetts is handling his case, given his family ties to the area. The days have turned into years, yet the hope of his family for answers has not diminished. The case of Joseph Donais is a perplexing one, a story of a man who seemingly set out on a new chapter in his life, only to vanish without a trace, leaving behind a void of information and a family waiting for any news of his whereabouts.

Last Seen: Jul 22, 2018

Possible Unidentified Matches (2)

Unidentified remains cases whose details are consistent with this person, ranked by how closely they compare. Fields that are unknown in either case are left out of the score.

76%Possible
John Doe — Newport, Oregon - unidentified case UP125974
John Doe — Newport, Oregon
UP125974 • Found Apr 18, 2024
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 99%Est. 60–75 vs 54 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 76%96 mi away
TimingFound 6 years after last seen
Height 100%5'6"–5'11" vs 5'7"–5'9"
75%Possible
John Doe — Cottage Grove, Oregon - unidentified case UP58583
John Doe — Cottage Grove, Oregon
UP58583 • Found Apr 26, 2019
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 83%Est. 58–72 vs 54
Race 100%White
Location 69%128 mi away
TimingFound 9 months after last seen
Height 100%5'8"–6'2" vs 5'7"–5'9"
Hair 40%Brown vs Bald
Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown

These comparisons are generated automatically from public NamUs case data and are not confirmed identifications. Only DNA, dental or fingerprint comparison by investigators can confirm an identity. If you believe two cases are connected, contact the agency handling the unidentified case.

Unidentified photos are blurred because many are post-mortem. Tap a photo to reveal it.