Dean Lewis Missing Person Case

Aug 31, 2010

Sep 15, 2022

Dean

Lewis

64

42

71 inches

175 lbs

White / Caucasian

Male

In the autumn of 2003, 42-year-old Dean Merlin Lewis, a man from San Francisco, California, was enjoying a solo journey across the country, making his home in a 1987 Volkswagen van. His travels led him to the East Coast, where he frequented state parks, choosing to stay in their campgrounds. On September 25, 2003, he was seen entering Hamlin Beach State Park in Hamlin, New York. This would be the last time he was seen or heard from. Four days later, on September 29, park employees noted that the individual at one of the campsites had not checked out at the designated time and had left a vehicle behind. This vehicle was identified as Dean's Volkswagen van. The discovery of the abandoned van prompted an investigation by the New York State Police. The van, which was equipped with a sleeping area and a kitchen, was found to be in clean and proper working order. Dean was known to be a private person who enjoyed his solitary travels, which he was able to fund through a trust. While he maintained contact with his family, it was not on a frequent basis. However, the length of his silence following his arrival at Hamlin Beach State Park was uncharacteristic and raised concern among his loved ones. Despite the passage of time, the disappearance of Dean Merlin Lewis remains an unsolved case. At the time he went missing, he was described as a white male, standing at 6'1" and weighing approximately 175 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. He wore eyeglasses and was last seen with his hair pulled back in a ponytail. The New York State Police have continued their investigation into his disappearance over the years, but no significant leads have emerged to explain what happened to him after he entered the park that day. His case is a quiet reminder of a journey that took an unexplained turn, leaving behind only questions and a family still waiting for answers.

Sep 25, 2003

Hamlin

New York

Monroe County

8963

New York State Police - Troop E Headquarters

Farmington

New York

Ontario County

14425

Brian Kozemko

Investigator

1569 Rochester Road, New York

5853984123

State

Law Enforcement

EHEN00264 / SJS: 544610

New York State Police - Troop E Headquarters

Brown

Blue

Blue

09/11/2026