In the autumn of 2005, concern grew for Benjamin 'Ben' Brubaker, a 30-year-old man from Ashland, Ohio, after he seemingly vanished. There are conflicting accounts regarding the exact date of his last contact. While his mother recalled speaking with him on October 13, 2005, about needing a ride to a court appearance the following day, his girlfriend at the time stated he had disappeared about a week earlier.
This earlier date is supported by Brubaker's cell phone records, which show his last call was made on October 7. At the time of his disappearance, Brubaker was described as a hardworking individual who was close with his family, particularly his mother. He had a steady job and, according to many, had turned his life around after some earlier trouble with the law. He was scheduled to pick up his paycheck and attend a court hearing on October 14, but he never showed up for either, and his last paycheck remained uncollected.
Brubaker is described as a white male, standing between 5'8' and 5'11' and weighing between 135 and 148 pounds, with blond hair and blue eyes. He has several distinguishing tattoos, including the Insane Clown Posse logo on his upper left arm and a tattoo of the Insane Clown Posse's Jester holding a bird and a magic wand with the words 'The Great Milenko' on his upper right arm. He also has a scar on his back. In the initial stages of the investigation, some believed Brubaker might have left on his own, as it was not entirely out of character for him to be out of touch for periods. His girlfriend initially thought he might have gone to visit a friend in New York, but authorities confirmed he never arrived there. Despite some who knew him saying he had expressed a desire to leave the area, his family finds it hard to believe he would have left without contacting his mother, with whom he shared a close bond.
Over the years, the Ashland County Sheriff's Office has continued to investigate Brubaker's disappearance, following up on various tips and leads. The case has been marked by rumors and speculation, including theories of foul play, though nothing has been substantiated. The lack of concrete evidence and the conflicting timelines have presented significant challenges to the investigation. In May 2024, authorities, in conjunction with the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, conducted searches at two properties in Polk based on new confidential tips. Despite these efforts, Brubaker's whereabouts remain unknown. His case is an active and ongoing investigation, a painful reminder of the uncertainty that families of the missing endure.Last Seen: Oct 31, 2005
