On July 30, 1999, 28-year-old Thomas Edward Manizak, a male with brown hair and green eyes, was traveling with the intention of reaching Newport, Oregon. The last confirmed contact with him was a phone call he made to his mother from a truck stop situated to the east of Twin Falls, Idaho. At the time of his disappearance, Manizak was known to travel across the country in his 1970 copper-colored Ford van. He was an avid camper and would often set up camp along highways.
It was also known that he frequently offered rides to hitchhikers. Manizak was dependent on insulin for his diabetes, requiring two injections daily.
Living in California at the time, Manizak had a habit of keeping in regular contact with his family, typically calling his mother twice a week to assure her of his safety. After the final call from the Idaho truck stop, all communication from him ceased. Concern for his welfare grew as he did not use his medical card to obtain necessary insulin supplies nor did he claim his disability checks. His van, a brown and copper 1970 Ford with California license plate number 87647D, was never located. The circumstances of his disappearance were unsettling for his family, who for years held onto hope for his return.
For a quarter of a century, Thomas Manizak's whereabouts remained a mystery. Then, in April, a man who was non-verbal was found in the Los Angeles area and admitted to a local hospital. Authorities were unable to identify him. A significant breakthrough occurred when his sister recognized him in a news article published in USA Today that featured a photo of the unidentified man. After being contacted by his sister, law enforcement was able to confirm the man's identity as Thomas Manizak through fingerprints. The news of his discovery brought both relief and complex emotions to his family, who are now hoping to be reunited with him.Last Seen: Jul 30, 1999
