Christopher Lee Palmer, 39, was last seen January 9, 2026, in Manteo, North Carolina, while on a month-long solo camping trip with his 11-year-old German Shepherd, Zoey. Family members said he planned to visit the Great Smoky Mountains, George Washington and Jefferson National Forests and Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia. A red 2017 Ford F-250 with a blue and white kayak in the bed was captured on Dare County traffic cameras the afternoon of January 9. His phone pinged near Avon January 10 and near Cape Point in Buxton January 11.

Rangers found Palmer’s truck stuck on the beach at Cape Hatteras National Seashore January 12; neither Palmer, Zoey nor the kayak were at the scene. Personal items were later found along the coastline, but neither Palmer nor the kayak have been recovered. Family and friends described him as an experienced outdoorsman and former service member with survival training. In a public statement the family said they recently learned Palmer had a terminal illness and believe he may have chosen to end his life at sea; they also believe Zoey died and was buried on the beach before he continued toward the water. The National Park Service conducted searches and asked boaters for information.

If anyone saw Palmer, his truck, the kayak or Zoey along the Outer Banks in early January, please share what was seen and when.