Sam Allen Burgess, 20, was last seen May 25, 2001, at Shearers Falls on the Deschutes River in Maupin, Oregon. Accounts say he was with others when an incident led to his disappearance and the circumstances have led authorities to presume he drowned, but he was never recovered.

Search and rescue teams responded but the river’s powerful conditions thwarted recovery. Sam is described as having brown hair and brown eyes, 6 feet 3 inches tall and about 165 pounds. The Oregon State Police handled the investigation; few public details exist about what he was wearing or any personal items he may have had.

The case is treated as cold and remains unresolved, with the family and community left without closure.