Crime Solvers Central
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 (MP35168)
Joann Wilkins, a 43-year-old woman, went missing on September 26, 1976, while sailing with friends near Lake Travis, Austin, Texas. On that day, Joann and her companions encountered a severe storm while aboard a sailboat. As the winds intensified, the boat keeling caused Joann to fall into the water. Despite having a seat cushion to help her float, Joann could not be recovered. Her companions were unable to turn the boat around due to the storm, and by the time rescue teams arrived, Joann had disappeared. Despite extensive searches, she was never found, and her case remains unresolved to this day.

Joann’s case has continued to attract attention due to the mysterious circumstances of her disappearance. Though it was believed she drowned, no remains or further evidence have ever been recovered, adding to the difficulty of providing closure. Her disappearance has been one of many unsolved cases in the Austin area, particularly around Lake Travis, which has a history of such incidents. Law enforcement has kept the case open, seeking any additional information that could help solve this decades-long mystery.
Last Seen: Sep 26, 1976

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Possible Unidentified Matches (1)

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.

75%Possible
Jane Doe — Houston, Texas - unidentified case UP3602
Jane Doe — Houston, Texas
UP3602 • Found May 13, 1998
View case
Sex ✓Female
Age 100%Est. 28–43 vs 43 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 66%146 mi away, same state
TimingFound 22 years after last seen
Height 100%5'8" vs 5'8"
Weight 100%129 lb vs 120 lb
Hair 50%Brown vs Blond
Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown

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.

Unidentified photos are blurred because many are post-mortem. Tap a photo to reveal it.