Cynthia ’Cindy’ Wilkins, 51, was last seen about noon at her apartment on 11th Avenue in Fulton, Illinois, while pursuing a master’s degree and working as a substitute teacher. That evening, around 10:30 p.m., a fire heavily damaged the four-unit complex. Fire appeared to have started in Cynthia’s apartment, and her car was parked outside, prompting immediate concern that she had been inside.

Investigators searching the charred unit found no sign of Cynthia. Her wallet, car, and other personal belongings were left behind; a jacket was draped over a chair as if she expected to return. Search dogs reportedly followed her scent downtown toward the Mississippi River near the foot of the North Bridge into Iowa, but the trail ended there. The fire’s cause was never determined and Cynthia has not been located. Her case is classified as an endangered missing person.

If anyone knew Cindy, saw her the day she vanished, or has information about her movements near the river or the night of the fire, please come forward.