Matthew L. Hamilton, 32, vanished after a kayaking trip that began from Freshwater Bay County Park on the evening of Monday, July 13 (case reports conflict on whether the year was 2020 or 2023). He planned a routine three-hour paddle to Ediz Hook, where his father was to pick him up, but never arrived. His father alerted authorities the next morning and a multiagency search followed, including the U.S. Coast Guard and local responders using a helicopter and a response boat.

Searchers found Matthew’s car at the Freshwater Bay boat ramp, and recovered his green kayak, his cell phone, and a bag clipped to the vessel; his paddle was not located. Two pings from his phone came from the area of the Lower Elwha River. He was reported wearing a black and white jacket, blue jeans, and boots, and was not wearing a life jacket. Despite the intensive search, Matthew has not been found and public details are limited.

If anyone knew Matthew, saw him on the water that evening, or has information about his paddling route or the Lower Elwha River area, please come forward with what was seen.