Henry A. Dodson, age 52 at the time, was last seen in Big Pine Key, Florida on March 1, 1997. At the time of his disappearance, he was described as a white male standing between 5'6" and 5'8" tall and weighing between 180 and 200 pounds. His hair was gray, and his eyes were blue. His nickname, “Hank,” is noted in some records.
Dodson maintained infrequent contact with family members, who lived out of state. In early March 1997, he informed them that he intended to travel to Maryland, specifically to visit relatives there. His stated mode of transportation for this trip was a bicycle. He never arrived at his intended destination, and no further communications or verifiable sightings have been recorded since his last known contact.
At the time he was last seen, Dodson was carrying a money belt that contained both identification and cash.
There are no distinctive physical features such as scars, tattoos, or other markings noted in public records, making identification more challenging should he be encountered today.
Authorities involved in the investigation include the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, which retains jurisdiction over the case. The case is listed in the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System as case number MP98976. The Charley Project also maintains a profile, and the case has been cataloged in multiple missing persons databases to keep it active and accessible to law enforcement and the public.
Despite periodic updates, including one reflected in August 2025, no substantive developments have been publicly reported. Dodson’s disappearance remains open and unresolved, with few leads to follow. Investigative challenges include his solitary mode of travel, the considerable distance he planned to cover by bicycle, and the absence of recognizable distinguishing features or confirmed sightings since the day he vanished.
No mentions of alternate theories—such as potential maritime travel—appear in credible public records. The available information is limited to the basic facts of his physical description, intended travel, and lack of contact following his disappearance.Last Seen: Mar 1, 1997
