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Hans Lippuner Missing Person Case

Last seen in McKinleyville, California on Oct 16, 2018

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Victim Details

Dec 13, 2018

Jan 9, 2024

Hans

Lippuner

67

59

68 inches

70 inches

130 lbs

140 lbs

White / Caucasian

Male

Oct 16, 2018

McKinleyville

California

Humboldt County

95519

43289

Humboldt County Sheriff's Office

Eureka

California

Humboldt County

95501

Scott Hicks

Sheriff's Investigator

826 4th Street, California

7074457251

County

Law Enforcement

https://humboldtgov.org/187/Sheriffs-Office

201805672

Nov 1, 2018

Humboldt County Sheriff's Office

na

Gray or Partially Gray

Blue

Blue

Oct 7, 2026


Area Last Seen:

Case Description

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Summary based on the NamUs case record (MP54020) and 7 other sources
Hans Lippuner, a 59-year-old man from McKinleyville, California, was last seen on October 16, 2018, by his housemates in the Dows Prairie area of McKinleyville. Lippuner, who lived with his best friend and his friend's wife, was known for his skills as a craftsman, tree climber, and outdoor enthusiast. In the weeks leading up to his disappearance, he had shown signs of depression, had lost weight, and seemed disinterested in his usual work projects.

Lippuner left behind most of his work and climbing equipment but drove away in his white 1998 Ford Econoline van, which was later found abandoned in a remote area near Del Loma, California, two months after he disappeared. Despite extensive searches, no trace of Lippuner has been found. His family reported him missing on November 1, 2018, after realizing no one had seen or heard from him for weeks.

His case remains unsolved, and while some speculate that he may have wanted to disappear due to his declining mental health, his family fears there may have been foul play involved. The Humboldt County Sheriff's Office continues to investigate his disappearance.
Last Seen: Oct 16, 2018

Links to Additional Sources (7)

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  • Unsolved Cases | Humboldt County, CA - Official Website">Unsolved Cases | Humboldt County, CA - Official Website
  • McKinleyville man Hans Lippuner still missing - KRCR
  • Missing man likely was in Trinity, but trail grows cold | Local News
  • Missing Person / NamUs #MP54020 | NamUs
  • Van found belonging to Mckinleyville man now missing 1 year - KRCR
  • Hans Martin Lippuner | State of California - Department of Justice
  • Hans Martin Lippuner - The Charley Project

    • Possible Unidentified Matches (1)

    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.

    75%Possible
    John Doe — Milpitas, California - unidentified case UP59937
    John Doe — Milpitas, California
    UP59937 • Found Sep 29, 2018
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 100%Est. 55–70 vs 59
    Race 100%White
    Location 48%268 mi away, same state
    TimingFound same day as last seen
    Height 100%5'11" vs 5'8"–5'10"
    Weight 98%115 lb vs 130–140 lb
    Hair 100%Gray vs Gray
    Eyes 30%Hazel vs Blue

    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.

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    Forum Posts (3)

    Did anyone else find it odd that Hans left behind most of his tools and climbing gear, considering... ...Read More
    09/11/2024
    I find it so strange that Hans left behind most of his work and climbing equipment. As someone who... ...Read More
    06/23/2023
    Did anyone else hear about the mysterious circumstances surrounding Hans Lippuner’s van? It really... ...Read More
    03/16/2023

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