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Case Description

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Summary based on the NamUs case record (MP118124) and 6 other sources
In the community of Riverdale, Illinois, the family of Wayne Coleman is enduring a period of profound uncertainty and distress following his disappearance on October 14, 2023. A 57-year-old grandfather and a mechanic for CPS, Wayne was a man known for his dedication to his family and his love for his home. On the day he was last seen, he reportedly left his residence with the intention of meeting a female acquaintance and has not been seen or heard from since. Compounding the family's concern is Wayne's health; he suffers from seizures and is dependent on daily medication. At the time he went missing, he was also in the process of recovering from a broken right leg, which caused him to walk with a limp and possibly require the use of a cane.

Wayne is described as a Black man, standing at 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing around 145 pounds, with gray or partially gray hair and brown eyes. A notable physical characteristic is that he is missing his front teeth. He had his cell phone, wallet, and keys with him when he vanished. In the initial days following his disappearance, his family was given a brief glimmer of hope when his phone pinged in the vicinity of 146th and State Street. This led to family members canvassing the area, knocking on doors in the hopes of finding surveillance footage, but their efforts did not yield any fruitful leads. There were also reports from the family that a nearby forest preserve was searched by authorities, although these reports remain unconfirmed.

The days have turned into weeks, and the weeks into months, yet the resolve of Wayne Coleman's family has not wavered. They have organized searches, distributed flyers, and remained in contact with the Riverdale Police Department, who are handling the investigation. For his loved ones, the holiday season was marked by his absence, their single wish being for his safe return. The case remains a painful and open wound for his family and the community, a testament to a beloved man who vanished without a trace. The circumstances surrounding his disappearance, his pressing medical needs, and the subsequent silence have created a deeply troubling mystery for all who know and love him.

Last Seen: Oct 14, 2023

Possible Unidentified Matches (1)

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.

80%Moderate
John Doe — Chicago, Illinois
UP131092 • Found Oct 6, 2024
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 45–60 vs 57
Race 100%Black
Location 98%19 mi away, same county
TimingFound 12 months after last seen
Height 75%5'7"–6'3" vs 5'8"

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.