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Michael VanZandt Missing Person Case

Last seen in Hermosa Beach, California on Mar 5, 2016

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Victim Details

Mar 7, 2016

Jan 12, 2024

Michael

VanZandt

46

36

70 inches

72 inches

190 lbs

200 lbs

White / Caucasian

Male

Mar 5, 2016

Hermosa Beach

California

Los Angeles County

90254

No

18088

Hermosa Beach Police Department

Hermosa Beach

California

Los Angeles County

90254

540 Pier Avenue, California

3105242750

Local

http://www.hermosabch.org/index.aspx?page=123

16591

Mar 7, 2016

Hermosa Beach Police Department

Blond/Strawberry

Blue

Blue

Oct 16, 2026


Area Last Seen:

Case Description

Any updates on this case? Let us know!
Summary based on the NamUs case record (MP32829) and 11 other sources
Michael David VanZandt, a 36-year-old father of three and an Air Force veteran, went missing on the night of March 5, 2016, from Hermosa Beach, California. VanZandt had gone out with friends that evening to watch a UFC fight, and after leaving the bar American Junkie around 10:15 p.m. to visit a nearby liquor store, he disappeared. Surveillance footage captured him walking toward the beach around 11:30 p.m., but that was the last time he was seen. His phone died shortly after 10:30 p.m., and it has not been used since.

VanZandt, who was stationed at Edwards Air Force Base, had left his car and personal belongings behind at the hotel where he and his friends were staying. His disappearance sparked an intense search, but despite efforts by law enforcement, the Air Force, and his family, no solid leads have emerged. VanZandt was known for his love of swimming, especially at night, which raised concerns that he may have gone into the ocean. However, there is no evidence confirming this theory.

The circumstances of his disappearance remain unclear, with no indication of foul play but no signs of voluntary departure either. His family continues to search for answers, hoping to bring closure to the case. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Hermosa Beach Police Department.
Last Seen: Mar 5, 2016

Links to Additional Sources (11)

See any mistakes? Let us know!
  • Help Find Missing - Michael David VanZandt - Facebook">Help Find Missing - Michael David VanZandt - Facebook
  • Mystery still surrounds disappearance of Mike VanZandt five years ...
  • Michael David Vanzandt | State of California - Department of Justice
  • Missing People In America - Facebook
  • Missing Michael VanZandt - MPIA
  • New video shows father's final moments on Hermosa Beach Pier
  • What happened to Michael David VanZandt and is there a very ...
  • Help Find Michael David Vanzandt - Facebook
  • Missing in Hermosa Beach: What happened to Mike VanZandt?
  • Missing California man: The last steps of Mike VanZandt
  • Air Force Veteran Michael Vanzandt went missing from California in ...

    • Possible Unidentified Matches (10)

    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.

    83%Moderate
    John Doe — Los Angeles, California - unidentified case UP16874
    John Doe — Los Angeles, California
    UP16874 • Found Jul 20, 2017
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 100%Est. 30–45 vs 36 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 100%10 mi away, same county
    TimingFound 17 months after last seen
    Height 100%5'10"–6'2" vs 5'10"–6'0"
    81%Moderate
    John Doe — Sun Valley, California - unidentified case UP52915
    John Doe — Sun Valley, California
    UP52915 • Found Sep 13, 2018
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 85%Est. 30–50 vs 36 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 95%28 mi away, same county
    TimingFound 3 years after last seen
    Height 100%5'11" vs 5'10"–6'0"
    Weight 100%185 lb vs 190–200 lb
    Hair 100%Blond vs Blond
    Eyes 30%Hazel vs Blue
    81%Moderate
    John Doe — Los Angeles, California - unidentified case UP137125
    John Doe — Los Angeles, California
    UP137125 • Found Nov 16, 2024
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 100%Est. 35–45 vs 36 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 99%13 mi away, same county
    TimingFound 9 years after last seen
    Height 84%5'8" vs 5'10"–6'0"
    Weight 84%155 lb vs 190–200 lb
    Hair 50%Brown vs Blond
    Eyes 100%Blue vs Blue
    80%Moderate
    John Doe — Hermosa Beach, California
    UP92868 • Found May 14, 2022
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 85%Est. 21–44 vs 36 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 100%Same area, same county
    TimingFound 6 years after last seen
    Height 100%5'7"–5'10" vs 5'10"–6'0"
    Weight 100%150–175 lb vs 190–200 lb
    79%Possible
    John Doe — Los Angeles, California - unidentified case UP78168
    John Doe — Los Angeles, California
    UP78168 • Found Mar 19, 2020
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 68%Est. 45–65 vs 36 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 100%12 mi away, same county
    TimingFound 4 years after last seen
    Height 100%5'5"–5'10" vs 5'10"–6'0"
    Weight 89%140–160 lb vs 190–200 lb
    Hair 40%Gray vs Blond
    Eyes 100%Blue vs Blue
    78%Possible
    John Doe — Santa Monica, California
    UP104485 • Found Mar 27, 2023
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 100%Est. 40–55 vs 36 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 100%12 mi away, same county
    TimingFound 7 years after last seen
    Height 100%5'10"–6'0" vs 5'10"–6'0"
    Weight 61%255–275 lb vs 190–200 lb
    Hair 10%Black vs Blond
    Eyes 0%Brown vs Blue
    77%Possible
    John Doe — Hawthorne, California - unidentified case UP88645
    John Doe — Hawthorne, California
    UP88645 • Found Jan 11, 2022
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 85%Est. 30–50 vs 36 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 100%4 mi away, same county
    TimingFound 6 years after last seen
    Height 100%5'5"–5'11" vs 5'10"–6'0"
    Weight 68%140 lb vs 190–200 lb
    Hair 50%Brown vs Blond
    Eyes 0%Brown vs Blue
    75%Possible
    John Doe — San Diego, California
    UP110722 • Found Aug 19, 2023
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 100%Est. 40–50 vs 36 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 75%100 mi away, same state
    TimingFound 7 years after last seen
    Height 100%5'8"–5'9" vs 5'10"–6'0"
    75%Possible
    John Doe — Los Angeles, California - unidentified case UP79003
    John Doe — Los Angeles, California
    UP79003 • Found Mar 8, 2021
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 100%Est. 30–40 vs 36 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 99%15 mi away, same county
    TimingFound 5 years after last seen
    Height 52%5'3"–5'6" vs 5'10"–6'0"
    Weight 100%160–180 lb vs 190–200 lb
    Hair 10%Black vs Blond
    Eyes 0%Brown vs Blue
    75%Possible
    John Doe — Los Angeles, California
    UP79504 • Found Mar 10, 2017
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 60%Est. 29–75 vs 36 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 97%20 mi away, same county
    TimingFound 12 months after last seen
    Height 100%5'6"–5'10" vs 5'10"–6'0"
    Hair 40%Gray vs Blond

    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 (2)

    I know he was drinking with friends that night. How intoxicated was he if at all? The more... ...Read More
    07/27/2026
    Michael David VanZandt, 36, a father of three and an Air Force veteran stationed at Edwards Air... ...Read More
    07/28/2023

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