Dennis Scott, 48, was last seen July 27, 1998, near a tent community in Ward Valley Camp, about 23 miles west of Needles, California. He had been staying in the community and was observed walking south into the desert that day; witnesses said he may have been carrying a red backpack.

Scott is described as 6 feet tall, 248 pounds, with long black hair, brown eyes and missing two front teeth. He was in poor health at the time and needed medication. The remote, desolate terrain where he disappeared complicated search efforts, and investigators report no significant leads on his whereabouts.

Anyone who knew Dennis, saw him around Ward Valley Camp on July 27, 1998, or has information about a red backpack seen that day is asked to contact authorities.