Sean Kenneth Phelan, 21, of Tustin, California, was last seen October 1, 1981, after checking out of the Six Pence Inn in Tustin and never being heard from again. He was reportedly struggling with depression after a recent divorce and family difficulties at the time and was known to hop rides; he frequently hitchhiked between Southern California and Washington state and may have been traveling when he disappeared.

Phelan is 5 feet 10 inches, about 150 pounds, with light brown hair and blue eyes. Distinguishing marks include a one-inch scar near his left eye, a two-inch scar on his left index finger, and a scar on his left ankle. He may have used the alias Sean Getty.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department and his family have pursued leads without significant success and the case remains unsolved. If anyone knew Sean, saw him around October 1, 1981, or has information about the name Sean Getty, please contact the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.