Jance Wesly Varela, a 40-year-old man, vanished from the Fort Collins, Colorado, area in the summer of 2022, leaving his loved ones deeply concerned. At the time of his disappearance, Varela was facing significant personal challenges, including homelessness and struggles with opioid addiction. Originally from Montana, he had relocated to Colorado in 2018 and, after losing his apartment, was staying with friends in the Fort Collins and Loveland areas.
Compounding his difficulties, Varela was diagnosed with a brain tumor in May 2022, just before he went missing. He also lives with a rare genetic disorder called tuberous sclerosis, which causes tumors to grow on his vital organs and requires consistent medical monitoring. His family worried that the brain tumor could be impairing his judgment and affecting his cognitive function.
The last confirmed sighting of Jance Varela was on June 1, 2022, at a bowling alley in the Fort Collins area. His mother, Linda Varela Adams, grew increasingly worried when he failed to call her on her 60th birthday on July 1st, an act that was highly out of character for him. This uncharacteristic silence prompted her to file a missing person report with the Larimer County Sheriff's Office. Despite his transient lifestyle, Varela was known to stay in close contact with his family, making his sudden lack of communication a significant cause for alarm. Distinctive physical features that could aid in his identification include a large scar on his abdomen and a Pi symbol tattooed on his hand.
Initially, the investigation into Varela's disappearance did not involve an active search, as authorities stated there was no immediate indication of foul play. However, as time passed with no contact, concern for his well-being grew. In March 2023, the Larimer County Sheriff's Office issued a public appeal for information, noting that details uncovered during their investigation had raised fears for his safety. Varela's mother has been a tireless advocate for her son, creating a Facebook page to share information and organizing ground searches with volunteers. The case has garnered wider attention, with Varela's story being featured on billboards and by advocacy groups. A cash reward has been offered for information that leads to a resolution in his case. The circumstances surrounding Jance Varela's disappearance remain an unsolved and distressing mystery for his family and community, who continue to hope for answers.Last Seen: May 26, 2022
