In the small community of Edgard, Louisiana, the absence of 64-year-old Male Irvin Goff went unnoticed for months. He was last seen sometime in December 2004, but the exact date remains unknown. Goff, who lived on East 7th Street, was known for taking long journeys on foot, sometimes traveling as far as New Orleans. This history of extended absences meant his family was accustomed to not hearing from him for long periods.
Consequently, he was not officially reported as a missing person until April 17, 2005, roughly four months after he was last seen. At the time of his disappearance, he was described as a Black male, standing at 5'9' and weighing around 150 pounds, with salt and pepper hair and brown eyes. He sometimes spelled his last name as 'Gauff.'
Compounding the concern for his well-being, Goff was living with significant health challenges. He was mentally disabled and had been diagnosed with terminal stomach cancer in July 2004. It is believed that due to his cognitive disability, he may not have fully understood the severity of his illness. Although his family had made doctor's appointments for him, he had not followed up on them. His brother last saw him in April, at which time Goff stated he was leaving and did not want to be followed. He was reportedly unhealthy and often confined himself to his house by his own choice. Due to his poor health, authorities considered him to be an endangered missing person.
The St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff's Office handled the investigation into Goff's disappearance. In the weeks following the report, searchers on four-wheelers were expected to comb the wooded areas around Edgard in hopes of finding him. Despite these efforts, he has never been heard from again. Authorities have stated that foul play is not suspected in his case. The overview of this case is one of a vulnerable man with serious health issues who was known for his solitary travels. The delay in reporting him missing, a consequence of his established patterns, created a challenging starting point for investigators. His disappearance remains unsolved, leaving his family and community without answers.Last Seen: Dec 1, 2004
