Michael Dean Stephenson, 44, was last seen July 1, 1996, after a solo camping trip to Nettle Springs and Apache Canyon in the Los Padres National Forest, Ventura County, California. He planned to stay at a friend’s cabin in the area. Days later his vehicle was found near Nettle Springs with his camping gear inside, suggesting he may have left on a day hike and never returned.

Stephenson worked as a counselor at the Turning Point Foundation and was known to be struggling with mental health issues and described as suicidal at the time he disappeared. He was diabetic and required daily insulin, which added urgency to search efforts. Extensive searches of the area turned up no trace, and authorities have not suspected foul play.

His whereabouts remain unknown. Did anyone in the Nettle Springs or Apache Canyon area in 1996 remember seeing Michael or his vehicle?