Crime Solvers Central
Crime Solvers Central
298 Cases Solved. Advancing justice for missing persons, unsolved homicides, unidentified and unclaimed remains.
Donn Johnson missing person case profile photo

Donn Johnson Missing Person Case

Last seen in Astoria, Oregon on Aug 22, 1999

Victim Details

Sep 19, 2014

Jan 8, 2024

Donn

Johnson

72

45

70 inches

71 inches

150 lbs

190 lbs

White / Caucasian

Male

Aug 22, 1999

Astoria

Oregon

Clatsop County

No

23517

Clatsop County Sheriff's Office

Warrenton

Oregon

Clatsop County

97146

Jeremy Humphrey

Detective

1190 Southeast 19th Street, Oregon

5033258635

County

Law Enforcement

https://www.co.clatsop.or.us/sheriff

99-2350

Clatsop County Sheriff's Office

Black

Blue

Blue

Oct 19, 2026


Area Last Seen:

Case Description

Any updates on this case? Let us know!
Summary based on the NamUs case record (MP26205) and 3 other sources
In the late summer of 1999, the coastal city of Astoria, Oregon, became the backdrop for a lingering mystery. On August 22, 1999, a 45-year-old man named Donn Nicholas Johnson vanished. That day, the boat he was on capsized near Pier 1 in Astoria, marking his last known location. At the time of his disappearance, he was wearing a red shirt, blue jeans with suspenders, and had in his possession a Klein Tools folding pocket knife and a nylon wallet. Johnson is described as a white male with black hair and blue eyes, standing between 5'10' and 5'11' tall and weighing between 150 and 190 pounds.

The specific details surrounding the boat capsizing incident remain sparse in public records. It is known that the event occurred off the first pier in the prominent coastal town. The immediate aftermath of the capsizing and what, if any, search and rescue operations were launched are not extensively detailed in the available information. The Clatsop County Sheriff's Office holds the case file for Johnson's disappearance.

Over two decades have passed since Donn Johnson was last seen, and his case remains unsolved. The lack of significant developments has left his family and community without closure. His case is listed in national databases for missing persons, a digital footprint in a search that has spanned years. The fundamental questions of what exactly transpired on August 22, 1999, and the ultimate fate of Donn Nicholas Johnson persist, leaving a void in the lives of those who knew him. The investigation, managed by the Clatsop County Sheriff's Office, is still technically open, a quiet testament to a man who disappeared into the water many years ago.
Last Seen: Aug 22, 1999

Links to Additional Sources (3)

See any mistakes? Let us know!
  • Missing Person / NamUs #MP26205
  • Josephine County Missing Person Project - Facebook
  • Donn Nicholas Johnson Missing Person Flyer | Astoria, Oregon ...

    • Possible Unidentified Matches (2)

    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.

    75%Possible
    John Doe — Washington - unidentified case UP16241
    John Doe — Washington
    UP16241 • Found Aug 3, 2002
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 60%Est. 20–50 vs 45 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 98%19 mi away
    TimingFound 3 years after last seen
    Height 100%5'11" vs 5'10"–5'11"
    Hair 60%Brown vs Black
    75%Possible
    John Doe — Oregon City, Oregon - unidentified case UP8058
    John Doe — Oregon City, Oregon
    UP8058 • Found Apr 20, 2002
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 85%Est. 40–60 vs 45 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 80%83 mi away, same state
    TimingFound 3 years after last seen
    Height 100%5'10" vs 5'10"–5'11"

    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.

    Latest News

    View All

    Forum Posts (3)

    Has anyone looked into any potential connections between Donn Johnson's disappearance and any... ...Read More
    06/23/2024
    Hi everyone, I’ve been following Donn Johnson’s case for some time and something that intrigues me... ...Read More
    10/10/2023
    Does anyone recall if Donn had any specific favorite spots in Astoria where he liked to go... ...Read More
    04/13/2023

    Other Missing Cases from Astoria, Oregon

    Donald Slater missing person case in Astoria, Oregon

    Donald Slater

    Missing: May 19, 2007
    On the morning of May 19, 2007, a planned sturgeon fishing trip on the Columbia River turned into a ...Read More
    Adano Michaud missing person case in Astoria, Oregon

    Adano Michaud

    Missing: Mar 26, 2025
    In the coastal city of Astoria, Oregon, a sense of concern grew for 34-year-old Adano Michaud, who ...Read More
    Glen Lonquist missing person case in Astoria, Oregon

    Glen Lonquist

    Missing: Apr 5, 2022
    In the coastal city of Astoria, Oregon, a sense of unease settled over the community in the spring ...Read More
    Lynn Kassler missing person case in Astoria, Oregon

    Lynn Kassler

    Missing: Apr 2, 1984
    On a spring day in April of 1984, 27-year-old Lynn Moffat Kassler set out for a day of crab fishing ...Read More
    Kenneth Cutcher missing person case in Astoria, Oregon

    Kenneth Cutcher

    Missing: Apr 2, 1984
    On a spring day in April of 1984, 30-year-old Kenneth Eugene Cutcher, along with his companions ...Read More