Walter Greg Fowler, known to friends and family as Greg, disappeared from Smiths Grove, Kentucky after leaving on a supposed fishing trip on the morning of June 19, 1999. He was 44, described as white, 5 feet 8 inches and 220 pounds, with brown hair, blue eyes, a beard and mustache. He was last seen wearing a gray Wildcats t-shirt, black shorts, Adidas sneakers and a camouflage-print Redman cap.

Greg’s empty boat was found two days later in the Barren River, about two miles downstream from Barren River Lake; the boat was missing its motor and oars. His 1986 blue Chevrolet Astro van was located the same day off Osborne Ford Road. No sign of him was found despite an extensive search of the river and banks, and investigators noted the river’s shallowness made an undetected drowning seem unlikely. Friends and co-workers said Greg had not mentioned fishing plans, preferred other activities, and didn’t typically carry overnight supplies.

The Warren County Sheriff’s Office reclassified the case as a possible homicide in August 1999 and investigators say they believe more than one person may have been involved. The investigation remains open. Anyone with information about Greg’s disappearance is asked to come forward.