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Robert Hughes Missing Person Case

Last seen in Williamsville, Vermont on Aug 17, 2008

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Victim Details

Oct 8, 2014

Jun 24, 2022

Robert

Hughes

77

59

70 inches

72 inches

180 lbs

200 lbs

White / Caucasian

Male

Aug 17, 2008

Williamsville

Vermont

Windham County

15894

Vermont State Police - Brattleboro

Brattleboro

Vermont

Windham County

05301

Richard Holden

Detective Sergeant

62 Black Mountain Road, Vermont

8022542382

State

Law Enforcement

08D202534

Vermont State Police - Brattleboro

Gray or Partially Gray

Blue

Blue

Oct 9, 2026


Area Last Seen:

Case Description

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Summary based on the NamUs case record (MP26389) and 14 other sources
Robert Hughes, 59, was last seen on August 17, 2008, when he left his home in Williamsville, Vermont, around 3:00 p.m. He was heading to a business meeting in Provincetown, Massachusetts, but the following day, on August 18, he was dropped off at the Zealand Falls Trailhead in the Pemigewasset Wilderness of New Hampshire's White Mountain National Forest. Hughes had attempted to make a reservation at the Zealand Falls Hut but was unable to complete the booking.

On August 20, Hughes' wife received letters he had mailed prior to his disappearance, indicating his intent to commit suicide in the White Mountains. Authorities located his vehicle at the AMC Highland Center, the location he mentioned in his letters. A thorough search of the area, involving local police and New Hampshire Fish and Game, turned up no sign of Hughes. Since his disappearance, there has been no activity on his phone, bank accounts, or credit cards, and foul play is not suspected.

Hughes was described as being unfamiliar with the White Mountains and not an experienced hiker. His case remains unsolved, with authorities from both Vermont and New Hampshire involved in the ongoing investigation.
Last Seen: Aug 17, 2008

Links to Additional Sources (14)

See any mistakes? Let us know!
  • Robert Hughes
  • Robert Larson Hughes - The Charley Project
  • Vermont State Police - Robert Hughes
  • Search under way for missing Vermont hiker in N.H. - Rutland Herald
  • Hughes
  • Search for mising Williamville man ended - Brattleboro Reformer
  • Search under way for Vermont man missing in NH forest
  • Raymond J. Hughes Obituary - Williamsville
  • Missing Person / NamUs
  • Vermont State Police - Facebook
  • 5588DMVT - Robert Larson Hughes - Doe Network
  • Robert Hughes, 59, was last seen on August 17th, 2008 leaving his ...
  • Missing Person: Robert Hughes ?? Robert Hughes, a 59 year old ...
  • Robert M. Hughes - National Fallen Firefighters Foundation

    • Possible Unidentified Matches (6)

    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 — Lowell, Massachusetts - unidentified case UP15888
    John Doe — Lowell, Massachusetts
    UP15888 • Found Mar 12, 2016
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 100%Est. 55–60 vs 59 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 83%72 mi away
    TimingFound 8 years after last seen
    Height 100%6'0" vs 5'10"–6'0"
    Weight 95%156 lb vs 180–200 lb
    Hair 100%Gray vs Gray
    80%Moderate
    John Doe — Queens, New York - unidentified case UP5268
    John Doe — Queens, New York
    UP5268 • Found Dec 14, 2008
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 100%Est. 50–65 vs 59
    Race 100%White
    Location 62%164 mi away
    TimingFound 4 months after last seen
    Height 100%5'11" vs 5'10"–6'0"
    Weight 100%192 lb vs 180–200 lb
    Hair 100%Gray vs Gray
    Eyes 100%Blue vs Blue
    79%Possible
    John Doe — Everett, Massachusetts - unidentified case UP15890
    John Doe — Everett, Massachusetts
    UP15890 • Found May 2, 2016
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 100%Est. 55–60 vs 59 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 78%91 mi away
    TimingFound 8 years after last seen
    Height 100%5'11" vs 5'10"–6'0"
    Weight 96%157 lb vs 180–200 lb
    Hair 100%Gray vs Gray
    77%Possible
    John Doe — East Boston, Massachusetts
    UP53220 • Found Sep 5, 2018
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 100%Est. 68–82 vs 59 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 77%93 mi away
    TimingFound 10 years after last seen
    Height 100%5'10" vs 5'10"–6'0"
    Weight 56%123 lb vs 180–200 lb
    Hair 100%Gray vs Gray
    76%Possible
    John Doe — Boston, Massachusetts - unidentified case UP15715
    John Doe — Boston, Massachusetts
    UP15715 • Found Jul 20, 2016
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 100%Est. 60–65 vs 59 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 77%92 mi away
    TimingFound 8 years after last seen
    Height 84%5'8" vs 5'10"–6'0"
    Weight 100%181 lb vs 180–200 lb
    Hair 100%Gray vs Gray
    Eyes 0%Brown vs Blue
    75%Possible
    John Doe — Waterbury, Connecticut
    UP94477 • Found Aug 13, 2022
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 100%Est. 48–62 vs 59 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 76%98 mi away
    TimingFound 14 years after last seen
    Height 100%5'7"–6'1" vs 5'10"–6'0"
    Hair 70%Brown vs Gray

    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 (1)

    Has anyone else been puzzled by Robert Hughes' booking attempt at the Zealand Falls Hut? It just... ...Read More
    03/20/2024

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