The story of Paul Richard Hodgden's disappearance is a troubling one, marked by a sudden departure and a lingering absence that has left his family and community searching for answers. On the evening of February 19, 2012, the 26-year-old was at Shommy's Restaurant in Parachute, Colorado. An altercation occurred, and following a fight with another man, Hodgden reportedly ran out of the establishment at around 8:00 p.m., heading south. He was never heard from again.
The Parachute Police Department began looking for him that same night, initially to arrest him for assault in connection with the fight. At the time he went missing, Paul was wearing a grey hoodie or a tan and red coat, a black shirt, blue jeans, and white and red Iverson-style shoes.
Paul's life before he vanished was not without its difficulties. He was living in the nearby community of Battlement Mesa and was known to have a history of heavy alcohol and drug use. He was on probation for burglary at the time of his disappearance. Friends and family also knew of his struggles with mental health, including a past suicide attempt, and he was asthmatic. Despite these challenges, he was a father who, according to his ex-wife, maintained a friendly relationship with her and was consistent in communicating with his children. Beyond his personal struggles, Paul was also a working man, employed at Kenny's Rig Welding, and an aspiring rap artist who went by the stage name C4.
The investigation into Paul Hodgden's disappearance has been ongoing, but a clear resolution has remained elusive. While authorities have not found any direct evidence of foul play, the circumstances surrounding his vanishing have led them to consider him at risk. His case is classified as an endangered missing person. The official investigation is being handled by the Ninth Judicial District Attorney's Office and the Parachute Police Department. Numerous distinctive tattoos cover his body, which have been documented in the hope of aiding in his identification. These include a large 'RR' on his neck, praying hands with a rosary, and the word 'Casanova' running down his arm to his knee, among many others. The lack of any contact since that February night has left a void in the lives of those who knew him, and the case remains an unsolved and deeply concerning mystery.Last Seen: Feb 19, 2012
