Lonnie Eplin, a 35-year-old man from Hamlin, West Virginia, was reported missing on February 8, 1997. He was last seen in the Hamlin area; family and friends described him as friendly and well connected in his community. Immediate searches were organized by relatives and neighbors, who distributed flyers and used local media to seek information.

Local law enforcement opened an investigation that included interviews with acquaintances and searches of nearby areas, but initial efforts did not produce significant leads. Weeks became months without credible sightings or substantial evidence, and the lack of clear information has complicated efforts to determine what happened.

His family has continued advocacy over the years, holding vigils and community events while keeping the case open and drawing attention from local media and missing persons organizations. If anyone in the Hamlin area in 1997 remembers Lonnie or has information about his disappearance, please come forward.