Michael R. Elkinton, a 62-year-old Vietnam War veteran, was last heard from on July 12, 2017. He lived alone in a cabin off White Oak Mountain Road near Hector in Pope County, Arkansas. In the days before he vanished he had a dispute with a neighbor that prompted a Pope County Sheriff’s Office visit; reports say he allegedly made threats during that altercation. He had also mentioned to family the possibility of taking a trip to Alaska.

Michael’s daughter found his cabin with the door wide open and his personal items left as if he had only stepped out for a moment. His wallet, hat, cigarettes, an open can of beer and his boots remained inside, but Michael himself was gone. The Sheriff’s Department has said it does not suspect foul play and believes he may have walked off the property and possibly accepted a ride within walking distance of the cabin. The investigation has not located him and the family remains unconvinced by the lack of answers.

Anyone who knew Michael, his movements around White Oak Mountain Road in July 2017, or who may have been in the area that day is asked to come forward with information.