Jack Forest Thomas, a 66-year-old experienced hiker from Nampa, Idaho, went missing on June 15, 2016, while hiking in the Queens River Loop area in the Sawtooth Mountains, near Elmore County, Idaho. He was last seen on the Idaho Centennial Trail, close to Fern Falls and Elk Lake, hiking upstream along the South Fork of the Payette River. Thomas was well-prepared for his hike, carrying essential gear, including a Camelback backpack, an ice axe, and a SPOT Gen3 GPS tracker. However, his tracker was never activated, raising concerns that whatever caused his disappearance happened suddenly.
Thomas was supposed to return home by June 16, 2016, but when he failed to do so, his family reported him missing. Search and rescue teams, along with helicopters and K9 units, conducted a two-week search, but no sign of him was found. His vehicle was located at the trailhead, but extensive search efforts yielded no clues. The rugged terrain and proximity to water sources led to speculation about possible accidents, yet his body was never recovered.
In 2023, seven years after his disappearance, human remains were discovered in the area, and they were later identified as belonging to Jack Thomas, providing long-awaited closure for his family. However, the circumstances of his death remain unclear, and authorities continue to investigate the case.
Last Seen: Jun 13, 2016
