Gene Jacob Cloud Jr. was 20 when he went missing on January 25, 2012, near Black River Falls, Wisconsin. After leaving his girlfriend’s residence his vehicle became stuck in a ditch along Highway O in Jackson County. A sheriff’s deputy arrived to assist; when asked for identification Gene ran into nearby woods carrying his six-month-old Dachshund. He had several outstanding minor warrants and his car was registered to his girlfriend’s sister, details that may explain why he fled.

Searchers followed footprints through deep snow for more than three miles before the trail was lost near a road, prompting speculation he could have been picked up by a passing vehicle. Tracking dogs and extensive searches failed to locate him. His phone and social media went silent, and his family says he would not have gone away voluntarily — he was expecting a child and had recently returned to school to support the family.

Anyone with information about Gene Cloud Jr. is asked to contact the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office or the Ho-Chunk Nation Police Department.