On June 4, 1999, 15-year-old Michael Palmer disappeared after attending a high school graduation party in Wasilla, Alaska. He left the gathering with friends around 4 a.m. riding bicycles; friends say Michael fell behind and never arrived at the 7-Eleven where they waited. He was last seen wearing a black Marlboro jacket with red stripes, a t-shirt, and blue jeans.

Investigators found Michael’s bicycle in the Little Susitna River and his shoes placed neatly together on a private airstrip about 200 yards from the river. Tracker dogs did not pick up a scent to the river, and searches of the clear, shallow water and banks turned up no sign of him. Rumors of a fight at the party and later claims that he was beaten and shot were investigated; a witness who alleged seeing a beating and shooting later recanted.

The family pursued private investigators; one reportedly received death threats and left the area. Nearly eleven years after Michael vanished, his older brother Charles Chucky Palmer also disappeared while snowmobiling. The investigation into Michael Palmer’s disappearance remains open.

If anyone knew Michael, was at the party that night, or has information about his route home, please come forward.