In the cold of a New York winter, on January 9, 1989, a 30-year-old man named Richard David Figura vanished from Niagara Falls. Known to his friends and family as 'Butch,' his disappearance left a void in the community where he had spent his entire life. A native of Lewiston and a 1976 graduate of Lewiston-Porter Central High School, Richard was a familiar face in the Newfane-Ransomville-Wilson area. The initial hours and days following his disappearance were filled with uncertainty and a growing sense of dread for those who knew him, as a search began for the man who was suddenly gone.
Richard was an established and active member of his community. For six years, he had worked as a machinist at the Dern Moore Machine Co. in Lockport. Beyond his professional life, he was deeply involved in the local motorcycling scene.
He held the position of treasurer for the Niagara County Motorcycle Club and was also a member of the Niagara County Chapter of the American Bikers Aiming Toward Education, a group known as ABATE. His commitment to these groups showed a man with strong connections and passions, making his sudden absence all the more perplexing and painful for his friends and fellow riders.
The investigation into Richard's disappearance soon centered on the powerful and unforgiving waters of Niagara Falls. His vehicle was discovered abandoned in a parking lot at Niagara Falls State Park. A grim discovery followed when some of his personal property was located near the American Falls. This came shortly after state parks police received a report on January 9th of a body being sighted in the lower Niagara River rapids. Authorities came to believe that Richard had drowned, though his body was never recovered from the turbulent waters. In the absence of definitive answers, his loved ones were left to grieve. A memorial service was held for Richard, marking a sad conclusion to the search, though the full story of his final moments remains held by the river.Last Seen: Jan 9, 1989
