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Roland Lucas Missing Person Case

Last seen in Little Shepherd Trail, Kentucky on Jul 23, 1994

Victim Details

May 2, 2010

Dec 26, 2023

Roland

Lucas

61

29

70 inches

170 lbs

White / Caucasian

Male

Jul 23, 1994

Little Shepherd Trail

Kentucky

Harlan County

No

8477

Kentucky State Police

Hazard

Kentucky

Perry County

41701

100 Justice Drive, Kentucky

6064356069

State

Law Enforcement

13-94-2114

Jul 24, 1994

Kentucky State Police

Blond/Strawberry

Green

Green

Oct 10, 2026


Area Last Seen:

Case Description

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Summary based on the NamUs case record (MP7014) and 7 other sources
In the summer of 1994, 29-year-old Roland Wayne Lucas vanished from the picturesque yet rugged landscape of the Little Shepherd Trail, near the border of Harlan and Letcher counties in Kentucky. On July 23rd, Lucas, an experienced outdoorsman familiar with the local terrain, went into the woods with a friend to search for ginseng. At some point during their expedition, Lucas became separated from his companion and was never seen or heard from again. The initial report of his disappearance prompted immediate concern among his family and friends, who knew him as a man with strong ties to his community.

Following his disappearance, law enforcement initiated extensive search efforts in the dense forests and along the trails he was known to frequent. Family members, friends, and community volunteers joined in the search, distributing flyers and using local media to bring awareness to his case. Despite their exhaustive efforts, the initial searches yielded no significant leads, leaving his loved ones in a state of growing anxiety. As the investigation unfolded, theories about his disappearance ranged from a possible accident or medical emergency to the potential of foul play. Investigators followed up on numerous tips, but the absence of concrete evidence complicated their search for answers.

Over the years, Roland Lucas's case has remained unsolved, a lingering source of pain and uncertainty for his family. They have continued to keep his memory alive through vigils and community events, emphasizing the importance of public awareness in missing persons' cases. Lucas is described as a white male with blond hair and green eyes. He has several distinctive tattoos, including a parakeet on his right forearm, the word 'Crook' on his right upper arm, and a bulldog on his chest. He also has scars on his upper right shoulder, chin, left leg, and left arm. When he was last seen, he was wearing white jogging pants, a black baseball cap, black work boots, and a necklace with a cross that had a diamond in it. The investigation into his disappearance is still open, and his family continues to hope for answers and closure in the mysterious case that has haunted them for decades.
Last Seen: Jul 23, 1994

Links to Additional Sources (7)

See any mistakes? Let us know!
  • Missing Person / NamUs #MP7014
  • Roland Wayne Lucas - The Charley Project
  • 3826DMKY - Roland Wayne Lucas - Doe Network
  • Dead or alive: family of hiker missing 25 years offers ... - WYMT
  • Robert Hoskins//Roland Lucas//Benson Spears//Michelle Collins.
  • Ronald Lucas has been... - Missing Persons Cases Network
  • KY-Roland Wayne Lucas, 29, Harlan County, 23 July 1994

    • Possible Unidentified Matches (1)

    Unidentified remains cases whose details are consistent with this person, ranked by how closely they compare. Fields that are unknown in either case are left out of the score.

    76%Possible
    John Doe — Somerset, Kentucky - unidentified case UP80
    John Doe — Somerset, Kentucky
    UP80 • Found Jul 9, 1998
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 100%Est. 25–35 vs 29 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 80%83 mi away, same state
    TimingFound 4 years after last seen
    Height 84%5'8" vs 5'10"

    These comparisons are generated automatically from public NamUs case data and are not confirmed identifications. Only DNA, dental or fingerprint comparison by investigators can confirm an identity. If you believe two cases are connected, contact the agency handling the unidentified case.

    Unidentified photos are blurred because many are post-mortem. Tap a photo to reveal it.

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    Forum Posts (2)

    Does anyone here know much about the personal relationships Roland Lucas had before he went missing... ...Read More
    10/30/2023
    Does anyone else remember the community search efforts that took place when Roland Lucas went... ...Read More
    08/15/2023

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