Colleen Wood, 53, was last seen in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, around mid-December 2000. Wood, originally from Ohio, had moved to Florida in the late 1990s for a fresh start. She became romantically involved with John Paul Sr., a former race car driver with a checkered criminal past. The two were planning a five-year sailing trip around the world on Paul's boat, *The Diamond Girl*. Colleen sold her belongings, quit her job, and moved onto the boat to prepare for the journey.
However, after December 2000, Colleen was not heard from again. Her son, Michael, who had spoken to her earlier that month, grew concerned when he did not receive a promised package from her and was unable to reach her. Colleen’s disappearance was not reported until April 2001, by which time significant withdrawals had been made from her bank account through ATMs in Fort Lauderdale. These transactions raised red flags, as Colleen had not personally withdrawn the money.
John Paul Sr. claimed that Colleen left the boat after an argument and later returned with two men to collect her belongings, but this story has been viewed with suspicion. Investigations also revealed Paul’s past, which included convictions for drug smuggling and attempted murder. Despite these revelations, no charges have been filed against him in connection with Colleen's disappearance. Authorities attempted to question Paul further, but he fled the country, and his whereabouts have been elusive ever since.
Colleen's case remains unsolved, and investigators continue to search for answers regarding her fate.Last Seen: Dec 28, 2000
