The case of Stephen Joseph Davaris Jr. is a story that crosses international borders, leaving a trail of unanswered questions. On July 6, 2005, the 32-year-old was last seen by a relative in Secaucus, New Jersey. He informed his parents he was heading to the Jersey Shore for a short trip. Instead of traveling to the nearby coast, he purchased a one-way airplane ticket to Ireland, a country he had visited multiple times before and where he had relatives. He arrived in Dublin two days later, on July 8, and was reportedly seen at a pub in Inagh, County Clare, sometime after his arrival. This would be one of the last known sightings of him. His family in the United States was unaware of his overseas travel.
The discovery of his belongings began to unravel the mystery of his whereabouts. On July 12, 2005, a man walking along Quilty Beach in County Clare found a rucksack that had washed ashore.
Inside the bag were Stephen's personal items, including his passport, clothing, and cell phone. Unaware of the significance of his find, the man took the backpack home. In a crucial turn of events, the man's wife placed the SIM card from Stephen's phone into her own. When Stephen's worried parents called his number two days later, they were shocked to have their call answered by a woman in Ireland, which was the first time they realized where he had gone.
Further investigation by authorities led to the discovery of his rental car, which was found parked at the iconic Cliffs of Moher. In the months leading up to his disappearance, those close to him noted a change in his demeanor. He had lost his job and had become withdrawn and moody, though he reportedly had no history of depression, substance abuse issues, or financial troubles. The investigation into his disappearance is being handled by both the Ramsey Police Department in New Jersey and the Ennistymon Guardai in County Clare, Ireland. Despite the passage of time and the collection of these key pieces of evidence, the exact circumstances of what happened to Stephen Joseph Davaris Jr. remain unclear. His loved ones have expressed their belief that he may have taken his own life. After many years without answers, Stephen was declared legally dead in May 2016.Last Seen: Jul 6, 2005
