Account
Jan 28, 2026
Jan 28, 2026
Cole
Vilhauer Buckley
28
28
5'10 inches
116 lbs
White
Male
In the late spring of 2021, a sense of unease settled over a family and community in Washington state. Male Cole Vilhauer Buckley, a 28-year-old man, vanished from his home in Seattle on May 22, 2021. Known to be an avid swimmer who frequented Lake Union, his disappearance was marked by a cryptic final message sent shortly after midnight. In it, he simply stated he was "going to the lake," a phrase that would become the last known communication from him. This message, coupled with his passion for swimming, painted a concerning picture for those who knew and loved him. The hours following his last message stretched into days of silence, deepening the worry for his well-being. An investigation into his disappearance revealed unsettling clues at his apartment. While his phone, wallet, and shoes were found left behind, his wetsuit and a backpack were notably absent. This discovery suggested he may have followed through on his intention to go to the lake, but the lack of any further contact or sightings was highly unusual. The Seattle Police Department was tasked with piecing together the limited information available in an effort to trace his last movements and understand the circumstances leading to his disappearance. As time passed with no new leads, the hope of finding Cole began to fade for his family. The sparse details surrounding his case have left them to grapple with the painful belief that he is deceased. The official investigation remains open, but the lack of evidence has made progress challenging. The case of Cole Vilhauer Buckley is a somber tale of a young man who seemingly vanished after expressing a simple intention to visit a familiar place. The discovery of some of his personal belongings left behind, contrasted with the items he presumably took with him, creates a puzzling narrative. Without witnesses or further communication, the events of that May night remain shrouded in mystery, leaving his loved ones with unanswered questions and a profound sense of loss.
May 22, 2021
Seattle
Washington
Seattle
Seattle Police Departmen
206-684-5426
05/31/2026
