Dane Elkins, 21, a UC Santa Cruz engineering student and accomplished racquetball champion, was last seen December 14, 2020, in Los Angeles. Family members say he had been struggling with mental health issues, including paranoia, and that the COVID-19 pandemic may have affected his distress. In the days before he disappeared his behavior reportedly became increasingly erratic.

On December 20 his car was found abandoned near the I-5 Freeway in Castaic, California, with flat tires; his wallet, cellphone, and laptop were still inside and he was not with the vehicle. Searches in the area turned up no further clues. In the months afterward there were possible sightings in places such as Bakersfield and Mojave, with witnesses reporting seeing a man they believed to be Elkins traveling on foot and possibly heading toward Oregon, but his whereabouts remain unknown.

The family continues to search and hopes he will be found safe. If anyone has information about Dane Elkins or his movements after December 14, 2020, please contact the Los Angeles Police Department or local authorities.