David Clem Cook, 55, vanished from the Amsterdam, Missouri area after his last confirmed sighting on the evening of November 18, 2008, when he left the Kansas City Power & Light Plant about 10:30 p.m. He balanced a full-time plant job with managing an 8,000-acre cattle ranch and was described as a man of routine; his failure to show for a business meeting and his next shift prompted alarm. He was reported missing November 20th.

A ranch hand later said he met Cook the morning of November 19th and saw him leave on a four-wheeler, but law enforcement has questioned that account. Both of Cook’s vehicles remained at home, his wallet and home showed no signs of struggle or forced entry, and only his cell phone, eyeglasses, and a money clip were missing — details that led his family to suspect foul play, especially after recent cattle thefts on the ranch.

Large-scale searches including 200 people on horseback, on foot, by boat and a highway patrol helicopter produced no trace. The case drew national attention and a reward was offered, yet no significant leads have emerged and the investigation has gone cold. If anyone knew David, was on or near the ranch the weekend of November 18–20, 2008, or has information about the cattle thefts, please come forward.