Guy Howard Heckle, 11, disappeared on February 3, 1973, during a Boy Scout camping trip with Troop 101 near the Cedar River in Linn County, Iowa. The group had camped at the Kiwanis Cabins, located between Palo and Toddville. Guy was last seen around 8:00 p.m. while playing a game of Capture the Flag with fellow scouts. It wasn't until a bed-check later that night that his absence was noticed, prompting the troop to search for him for about 90 minutes before notifying authorities.
Search efforts were launched immediately, with volunteers, law enforcement, and emergency personnel scouring the area, including the riverbanks. The next day, Guy's blue nylon parka was found snagged on a log along the Cedar River’s east bank, but no other signs of him were discovered. Despite extensive searches, including the use of helicopters, boats, and hundreds of volunteers, no further evidence was uncovered.
Authorities believe Guy may have accidentally fallen into the river and drowned, but his body was never found. While foul play has not been definitively ruled out, most investigators lean toward the theory of accidental drowning. However, his family has long held suspicions that something more sinister might have occurred, especially considering the lack of closure after decades of searching.
Guy was a fifth-grader at Eisenhower Elementary School and lived with his parents and two older sisters in Cedar Rapids. His case remains unsolved, and the Linn County Sheriff’s Office continues to seek any new information that might provide answers to this enduring mystery.Last Seen: Feb 3, 1973
