In the late winter of 1999, a young man named Brandon Joseph Hanson, also known as BJ, vanished from Naperville, Illinois. At eighteen years old, Brandon was described as being interested in the rave and underground music scene. The last known contact with him was on February 28, 1999. Initially, it was believed that he may have left on his own accord. Brandon was known to associate with a group called the Rainbow Family and had traveled to places like Berkeley, California, and New Orleans, Louisiana, to attend their gatherings. His physical appearance was noted as being between 5'10' and 6'3' and weighing between 165 and 185 pounds. He had brown hair, which he sometimes wore in a clean-cut style and at other times grew into dreadlocks, and brown eyes. He also had distinct scars on his right earlobe and left upper arm, as well as a tattoo on his right forearm.
The circumstances surrounding Brandon's disappearance grew more concerning due to a final, troubling phone call. In his last conversation with his grandmother, Brandon expressed that he believed people were after him and that he wanted to leave the country. This statement has been a significant point of concern for those who continue to search for him. Despite this alarming communication, his case did not receive much media attention at the time of his disappearance, possibly because it was initially viewed as a runaway case. The lack of information regarding his whereabouts at the time of the call has left a significant gap in the timeline of his disappearance.
Over the years, the search for Brandon Hanson has continued, with his case being listed on national missing persons' databases. The DuPage County Sheriff's Office is the investigating agency, and they have encouraged anyone with information to come forward. The details of his case paint a picture of a young man involved in a transient lifestyle, which has made the investigation more complex. The mention of the Rainbow Family adds a layer to the mystery, as the group is known for its nomadic nature, with gatherings held in various national and state parks across the country. The overarching summary of this case is that of a young man who was involved in a subculture that involved frequent travel, and who expressed fear for his safety shortly before he was last heard from, leaving his family with unanswered questions and a lingering sense of unease.
Last Seen: Feb 28, 1999
