Account
Jan 27, 2026
Jan 27, 2026
John
Thomas Mestayer
23
23
6'1 inches
165 lbs
White
Male
John Thomas Mestayer, a 23-year-old graduate student, has been missing since an incident on April 9, 1985, in East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana. At the time of his disappearance, he was a married geology student at Louisiana State University. Mestayer was described as a white male, standing at 6'1" and weighing approximately 165 pounds, with brown hair and green eyes. On the day he went missing, he was reportedly wearing a t-shirt, blue jeans, and sneakers. The circumstances surrounding Mestayer's disappearance are deeply saddening. He was by the Mississippi River with his dog, engaging in a game of fetch with a rubber baton. The playful activity took a distressing turn when his dog was caught in the river's strong current and pulled against a barge. Without hesitation, Mestayer entered the water in an attempt to rescue his dog. Tragically, he also found himself in trouble, and the current pulled him under the barge, and he was never seen again. Despite the immediate and harrowing nature of his disappearance, John Thomas Mestayer's body has never been recovered. He is presumed to have drowned in the Mississippi River following his selfless act to save his canine companion. His case is classified as a suspected accident and a lost/injured missing person. This overview encapsulates the known details of the case, which has remained unresolved for decades, leaving a lasting impact on his family and community. The case serves as a somber reminder of the unforgiving power of the river and a moment of instinctual bravery that ended in tragedy.
Apr 09, 1985
East Baton Rouge Parish
Louisiana
East Baton Rouge Parish
East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office
225-329-5061
05/24/2026
