Gilbert Valdes Jr., 54, of Eldersburg, Maryland, was last seen May 20, 2016, near Cedar Key, Florida, after leaving Alachua that morning for a boating trip with his brother Garrick and a friend, Bruce Smith. Their truck and trailer were found at the Cedar Key boat ramp around 3 a.m. on May 21, prompting a search by the Coast Guard and Florida Fish and Wildlife officers.

Garrick Valdes and Bruce Smith were located clinging to their capsized boat about six miles south of Sea Horse Key and were rescued. Gilbert Valdes was not found despite search efforts that covered thousands of square miles. The official search was suspended after days of unsuccessful attempts, and his disappearance remains unresolved. His family continues to seek closure.

If anyone was on or near Cedar Key on May 20–21, 2016, or has information about that trip, please come forward.