Robert Ernest, a 38-year-old man from Neenah, Wisconsin, was reported missing by his family on August 7, 2019, after he was last seen on July 28, 2019. His disappearance was preceded by a note he left stating he was leaving and asking that no one look for him. Along with the note, he left behind his keys, phone, and wallet. This led authorities to believe he was not in immediate danger, though the circumstances were concerning for his loved ones.
Friends and family described him as a kind and active member of the community, which made his sudden departure all the more troubling for them.
The investigation into Robert's disappearance involved both the Neenah and Madison Police Departments, as he was known to frequent the Madison area. In fact, he was reportedly last seen on Applegate Court in Madison, a location that is home to a nightclub he was known to visit. The Madison LGBTQ+ community was alerted to his disappearance and actively shared information to aid in the search. Despite these efforts and the release of additional photographs and information by law enforcement, the case grew cold, with few leads to follow. The transient nature of his lifestyle posed a significant challenge to the investigation.
For a time, Robert Ernest's whereabouts remained a mystery. However, it was later learned that a friend had spoken to him in 2023. During this encounter, Robert was on foot and indicated that he was homeless and living a transient life, but did not specify his location. Ultimately, the missing person case was closed, as it was determined that Robert had been located alive. The exact date and circumstances of him being found are not widely known, but the resolution brought an end to the uncertainty for his family and community. The case serves as an example of the complexities involved in missing persons cases, particularly when an individual chooses to leave of their own accord.Last Seen: Jul 28, 2019
