Account
Jan 14, 2022
Dec 22, 2023
David
Fugate
53
48
70 inches
215 lbs
White / Caucasian
Male
In the small community of Covington, Ohio, a story of heartbreak and mystery unfolded in the winter of 2020. David Fugate, a 48-year-old U.S. Army veteran, was grappling with the recent loss of his wife, who had passed away just two days prior. Friends and family described him as being under extreme emotional distress during this difficult time. On the morning of February 29, 2020, David's brother arrived at his home around 10:00 a.m., but David was nowhere to be found. Adding to the concern, David had left behind his keys, wedding ring, and cell phone. His car was still in the garage, suggesting he had departed on foot, wearing a blue jean jacket, a black shirt, and jeans. The hours turned into days, and with no word from David, a search began. The Covington Police Department, with assistance from the Miami County Sheriff's Office, initiated search efforts. They explored properties that David was known to frequent and utilized drones to scan large areas of land, including near the local river. Despite these efforts, no trace of him was discovered. Investigators interviewed friends and family, hoping to uncover any clue that might point to his whereabouts. Search dogs were brought in and tracked a scent to the edge of his property, where it abruptly stopped near a neighbor's driveway. His information was entered into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), a national database for missing persons. Law enforcement has stated that there is no evidence to suggest foul play was involved in his disappearance. The disappearance of David Fugate has left his loved ones and the community with a profound sense of uncertainty. He vanished on a leap day, a date that only adds to the unique and sorrowful nature of his case. The fact that he was a military veteran has led to speculation that he might have possessed the skills to disappear if he chose to do so. Compounding the family's grief, his bank account has remained untouched since he went missing. The case is an overview of a man who disappeared while grieving the immense loss of his wife, leaving behind critical personal items and seemingly vanishing without a trace. With no evidence of a crime and no contact made, his family is left to wonder if he left on his own accord or if something else occurred. The Covington Police Department continues to ask for the public's help, hoping that someone, somewhere, has information that could bring answers to a family waiting in anguish.
Feb 29, 2020
Covington
Ohio
Miami County
45318
No
111077
Covington Police Department
Covington
Ohio
Miami County
45318
1 South High Street, Ohio
9374732102
Local
Law Enforcement
20CO00389
2020-02-29
Covington Police Department
4640
Gray or Partially Gray
Brown
Brown
05/26/2026
