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Crime Solvers Central
302 Cases Solved. Advancing justice for missing persons, unsolved homicides, unidentified and unclaimed remains.

Case Description

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Summary based on the NamUs case record (MP66261) and 4 other sources
On February 9, 2020, 31-year-old Michael Zachary Fortenberry, known to his loved ones as Zach or Mikey, was last seen in the vicinity of the Fairfax Bridge near Carbonado, Washington. At the time of his disappearance, the Bonney Lake man was described as a white male, standing at 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing approximately 160 pounds. He has blond or strawberry blond hair, blue eyes, and wears black-rimmed glasses. Distinctive features include several tattoos: a boombox on his neck, a monkey on his shoulder, and a Yoshi tattoo on his hand. When he was last seen, it is believed he was wearing a black Dickies jacket and possibly slippers. He was also thought to have his cell phone and vape with him.

Several days after he was last seen, Michael's car was discovered abandoned near the Fairfax Bridge, which crosses the Carbon River. The keys were reportedly found inside the vehicle, which had about half a tank of gasoline. The discovery of his car without any sign of Michael initiated a search and an ongoing investigation into his whereabouts. The Bonney Lake Police Department has been handling the case and has appealed to the public for any information that might shed light on what happened to him. His family has been active in seeking answers, expressing their anguish and confusion over his sudden and unexplained disappearance.

The circumstances surrounding Michael Fortenberry's disappearance remain a painful mystery for his family and community. He was known by family as an introvert who enjoyed playing video games and would occasionally experience periods of depression and social anxiety. His loved ones have indicated that it was uncharacteristic for him to be out of contact for an extended period without informing them of his whereabouts. The case is complicated by what his family has described as odd clues and the presence of what they term 'shady characters' in the periphery of his life around the time he went missing. The investigation has continued, with his family's persistent efforts to keep his story in the public eye in the hopes of finding answers. The overview of this case is one of a young man who seemingly vanished, leaving behind his vehicle and a great deal of uncertainty.

Last Seen: Feb 9, 2020

Possible Unidentified Matches (3)

Unidentified remains cases whose details are consistent with this person, ranked by how closely they compare. Fields that are unknown in either case are left out of the score.

77%Possible
John Doe — Seattle, Washington
UP87994 • Found Jun 14, 2021
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 85%Est. 21–44 vs 31 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 92%38 mi away, same state
TimingFound 16 months after last seen
Height 68%5'7" vs 5'10"
Weight 100%175 lb vs 160 lb
76%Possible
John Doe — Tacoma, Washington
UP120946 • Found Nov 26, 2023
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 60%Est. 30–99 vs 31 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 98%19 mi away, same county
TimingFound 4 years after last seen
Height 100%5'11" vs 5'10"
Weight 100%161 lb vs 160 lb
Hair 40%Gray vs Blond
75%Possible
John Doe — Seattle, Washington
UP85540 • Found May 12, 2020
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 60%Est. 18–100 vs 31
Race 100%White
Location 92%39 mi away, same state
TimingFound 3 months after last seen
Height 100%5'8"–5'9" vs 5'10"
Weight 58%113 lb vs 160 lb
Hair 50%Brown vs Blond

These comparisons are generated automatically from public NamUs case data and are not confirmed identifications. Only DNA, dental or fingerprint comparison by investigators can confirm an identity. If you believe two cases are connected, contact the agency handling the unidentified case.