Gregory James Wallen, 43, disappeared on December 31, 1998, after renting a 19-foot pleasure boat from the Palm Grove Marina in Fort Myers Beach, Florida. Wallen, who had moved to Florida a year earlier, was expected to return the boat by 5:00 p.m. that day, but he never did. The marina reported the overdue boat to the U.S. Coast Guard, prompting an extensive search.
On January 21, 1999, the boat was found drifting about 53 miles southwest of Sanibel Island, with no sign of Wallen or a woman who was believed to have been with him that day. Despite thorough searches, no further clues were found, and neither Wallen nor his companion has been seen since. Authorities have considered various theories, but the case remains unsolved.
At the time of his disappearance, Wallen had been staying in a hotel in North Fort Myers and his credit cards were maxed out. He had also recently rented a condo in Bonita Springs. His case is classified as "Lost/Injured Missing," and law enforcement continues to investigate in hopes of uncovering new leads.
Last Seen: Dec 31, 1998
