Gilbert Valdes Jr., a 54-year-old man from Eldersburg, Maryland, was last seen on May 20, 2016, near Cedar Key, Florida. Valdes, his brother Garrick, and a friend, Bruce Smith, embarked on a boating trip that day. The group left Alachua in the morning but failed to return. At around 3 a.m. on May 21, officers found their truck and trailer at the Cedar Key boat ramp, raising concerns about their safety.
The Coast Guard, alongside Florida Fish and Wildlife officers, launched an extensive search operation. Garrick Valdes and Smith were found clinging to their capsized boat about six miles south of Sea Horse Key. They were rescued, but Gilbert Valdes remained missing despite numerous search efforts covering thousands of square miles. The search was officially suspended after days of unsuccessful attempts to locate him, and his disappearance remains unresolved. His family continues to seek closure.
Last Seen: May 20, 2016
