In the late hours of a Wednesday night, transitioning into the early morning of Thursday, June 28, 2018, 40-year-old Ryan Buckley was seen for the last time in the upper Kaumana area of Hilo, Hawaii. At the time of his disappearance, he was a resident at the Mental Health Kokua residential treatment home on Amau Road. Concerns for his well-being were immediately heightened due to a pre-existing medical condition that necessitated regular medication.
His sudden departure from the facility under distressing circumstances sparked an urgent response from local authorities and the community.
Ryan was last observed wearing a black t-shirt and dark-colored pants. He is described as being 5-feet-7-inches tall and weighing approximately 210 pounds, with a bald head and a beard. A notable feature is a large tattoo on his chest, with one report describing it as depicting two revolvers. On the night he went missing, Ryan was seen running from the treatment home and disappearing into the dense brush behind the property. This abrupt action prompted an immediate and thorough search of the surrounding area in the hopes of quickly locating him and ensuring his safety.
The initial investigation and search efforts were extensive. The Hawaiʻi Island police, along with others, combed the area where Ryan was last seen. A K9 unit was brought in to aid in the search, but despite their efforts, there was no sign of him. In the weeks and months that followed, the police department issued renewed requests for public assistance in locating the missing Hilo man, keeping his case in the public eye. The circumstances surrounding his disappearance from the treatment facility, coupled with his need for medication, created a complex and heart-wrenching situation for his loved ones and the community. The case is an overview of a man who vanished after running into the dense Hawaiian landscape, leaving behind a community searching for answers.Last Seen: Jun 27, 2018
