Richard Francis Whitecalf, known as Rick Whitecalf, was 71 when he was last seen in Rapid City, South Dakota, on July 13, 2004. He was reported to have left Rapid City on foot, reportedly trying to return to his home in Pine Ridge, South Dakota, but there are no confirmed sightings or a documented route after he departed.

Richard was described as 5 feet 6 inches tall, about 150 pounds, with gray or partially gray hair, brown eyes and eyeglasses. He was nearly blind, physically impaired and walked despite those limitations; distinguishing marks include a right-leg deformity from previously broken tibia and fibula, a scar on his lower back between T7 and T9, and a tattoo of an Indian woman’s head, possibly on his upper right arm. Family DNA reference samples were submitted to assist comparisons if remains are recovered.

If anyone has information about Richard Francis Whitecalf’s disappearance or saw someone matching his description around Rapid City or en route to Pine Ridge in July 2004, please contact the Rapid City Police Department.