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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 (MP25837) and 2 other sources
On a late autumn day, November 28, 1998, 51-year-old James Z. Szekely disappeared from East Hampton, New York. A Caucasian male, he stood approximately 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighed around 220 pounds. At the time he went missing, he had graying hair and hazel eyes. The circumstances surrounding his disappearance are succinctly described as having been 'lost at sea,' a brief but haunting explanation for a life that seemingly vanished into the vast expanse of the ocean. The official report of his disappearance was filed with the East Hampton Town Police Department, marking the beginning of a long and painful period of uncertainty for his loved ones.

Details about the events leading to James Szekely being lost at sea are not widely available in public sources. What is known is that he was a fisherman, a profession inherently tied to the unpredictable nature of the water. His name is included on a historical marker in Montauk Point, New York, which stands as a solemn tribute to fishermen from the area who were lost to the sea over the centuries. This memorial, located near the iconic lighthouse in Montauk Point State Park, serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers faced by those who make their living from the ocean and the deep sense of loss experienced by the community when one of their own is taken by it.

The investigation into James Szekely's disappearance remains an open case, a cold case that holds the lingering hope of resolution for his family. In the years since he was last seen, official records have been maintained, and his case is documented in national databases for missing persons. The lack of specific details surrounding the incident itself leaves many questions unanswered. Without a vessel recovery or eyewitness accounts beyond his initial departure, the narrative of his final hours remains largely unknown. The case of James Szekely is a somber testament to the unforgiving power of the sea and the enduring pain of those left behind to wonder about the fate of a loved one who never returned to shore.

Last Seen: Nov 28, 1998

Links to Additional Sources (2)

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Possible Unidentified Matches (10)

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.

81%Moderate
John Doe — Bronx, New York - unidentified case UP5990
John Doe — Bronx, New York
UP5990 • Found Nov 25, 2001
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 45–55 vs 51 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 78%88 mi away, same state
TimingFound 3 years after last seen
Height 100%6'0" vs 6'1"
Weight 100%200 lb vs 220 lb
Hair 100%Gray vs Gray
Eyes 60%Brown vs Hazel
78%Possible
John Doe — Brookline, Massachusetts - unidentified case UP15757
John Doe — Brookline, Massachusetts
UP15757 • Found Apr 17, 2007
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 97%Est. 60–65 vs 51 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 73%110 mi away
TimingFound 8 years after last seen
Height 100%6'0" vs 6'1"
Weight 100%237 lb vs 220 lb
Hair 100%Gray vs Gray
Eyes 60%Brown vs Hazel
77%Possible
John Doe — Webster, Massachusetts - unidentified case UP12944
John Doe — Webster, Massachusetts
UP12944 • Found Dec 31, 2003
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 85%Est. 50–70 vs 51 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 82%77 mi away
TimingFound 5 years after last seen
Height 68%5'10" vs 6'1"
Weight 100%204 lb vs 220 lb
Hair 100%Gray vs Gray
Eyes 100%Hazel vs Hazel
77%Possible
John Doe — Queens, New York - unidentified case UP6104
John Doe — Queens, New York
UP6104 • Found Feb 10, 1999
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 85%Est. 30–50 vs 51
Race 100%White
Location 79%86 mi away, same state
TimingFound 2 months after last seen
Height 100%6'0" vs 6'1"
Weight 100%207 lb vs 220 lb
Hair 40%Red vs Gray
Eyes 30%Blue vs Hazel
76%Possible
John Doe — Queens, New York - unidentified case UP5268
John Doe — Queens, New York
UP5268 • Found Dec 14, 2008
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 50–65 vs 51 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 79%86 mi away, same state
TimingFound 10 years after last seen
Height 84%5'11" vs 6'1"
Weight 95%192 lb vs 220 lb
Hair 100%Gray vs Gray
Eyes 30%Blue vs Hazel
76%Possible
John Doe — Weehawken, New Jersey - unidentified case UP1674
John Doe — Weehawken, New Jersey
UP1674 • Found Nov 6, 2007
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 40–55 vs 51 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 76%97 mi away
TimingFound 9 years after last seen
Height 68%5'10" vs 6'1"
Weight 97%195 lb vs 220 lb
Hair 100%Gray vs Gray
Eyes 60%Brown vs Hazel
76%Possible
John Doe — New York, New York - unidentified case UP5637
John Doe — New York, New York
UP5637 • Found Nov 2, 2005
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 50–60 vs 51 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 76%97 mi away, same state
TimingFound 7 years after last seen
Height 84%5'11" vs 6'1"
Weight 100%212 lb vs 220 lb
Hair 40%Brown vs Gray
Eyes 60%Brown vs Hazel
76%Possible
John Doe — New York, New York - unidentified case UP5732
John Doe — New York, New York
UP5732 • Found Dec 16, 2003
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 85%Est. 40–60 vs 51 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 76%97 mi away, same state
TimingFound 5 years after last seen
Height 100%6'2" vs 6'1"
Weight 52%151 lb vs 220 lb
Hair 100%Gray vs Gray
Eyes 60%Brown vs Hazel
76%Possible
John Doe — New York, New York - unidentified case UP5803
John Doe — New York, New York
UP5803 • Found Jan 11, 2001
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 85%Est. 40–60 vs 51 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 76%95 mi away, same state
TimingFound 2 years after last seen
Height 100%6'0" vs 6'1"
Weight 93%190 lb vs 220 lb
Hair 40%Brown vs Gray
Eyes 30%Blue vs Hazel
76%Possible
John Doe — New York, New York - unidentified case UP6068
John Doe — New York, New York
UP6068 • Found Jul 28, 2000
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 85%Est. 30–50 vs 51 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 76%95 mi away, same state
TimingFound 20 months after last seen
Height 100%6'0" vs 6'1"
Weight 64%160 lb vs 220 lb
Hair 40%Black vs Gray
Eyes 60%Brown vs Hazel

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.

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