A summer day spent by the water took a tragic turn, resulting in a years-long mystery for one Illinois family. On July 9, 2017, 13-year-old Paul Johnson, affectionately known as 'Little Paul,' was with his family at a beach access area along the Mississippi River in Grand Tower, Illinois. While swimming, Paul and his 50-year-old uncle, David Totten, were suddenly caught in the powerful current and pulled downriver. The two were last seen at approximately 2:30 p.m.
near Devil's Backbone Park as the river's current swept them away. Eyewitnesses reported that neither Paul nor his uncle resurfaced after being pulled under the water.
Immediate and extensive search efforts were launched involving multiple agencies. The Jackson County Sheriff's Office led the investigation, which included rescue boats equipped with sonar, an Illinois State Police search plane, and assistance from the U.S. Coast Guard. Tragically, two days after the incident, on July 11, 2017, David Totten's body was recovered from the river. Despite the comprehensive land, water, and air searches, there was no sign of Paul Johnson. At the time of his disappearance, Paul was described as being between 4'2' and 4'7' tall and weighing between 85 and 90 pounds. He has brown hair, hazel eyes, and a small scar on his chin.
The disappearance of Paul Johnson has left his family and community with unanswered questions and enduring grief. The powerful and often treacherous nature of the Mississippi River is a well-known danger to those who live near it. The incident that claimed the life of David Totten and led to the disappearance of his young nephew serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the river's unforgiving currents. Despite the passage of time, Paul Johnson remains missing, and the search for him, though no longer an active rescue mission, continues in the hearts of his loved ones. The case is a somber overview of a family outing that ended in tragedy, leaving a void and an unresolved loss for the Johnson family.Last Seen: Jul 9, 2017
