Famous landmarks and popular locations attract millions of visitors each year. Yet, some of these beloved spots are shrouded in mystery, serving as the last known location for individuals who vanished without a trace. Let’s delve into ten chilling disappearances from well-known places.
George Penca Jr.
Last Seen: Upper Yosemite Falls Trail
In June 2011, George Penca Jr., 30, hiked the Upper Yosemite Falls Trail with his church group. When the group descended, George was nowhere to be found. He was casually dressed and carried minimal supplies. Despite extensive search efforts involving over a hundred people, helicopters, and search dogs, no trace of George was ever discovered. What happened to him remains a mystery to this day.
Carla Valpeoz
Last Seen: Machu Picchu
Carla Valpeoz, a legally blind 35-year-old, visited Peru in December 2018. After being initially denied entry to Machu Picchu due to her vision, she explored the city with a tour group. She was last seen getting into a taxi with intentions to further explore the city. While a park employee claimed to have seen her at Machu Picchu, police doubted this account. Carla’s fate remains unknown, shrouded in speculation of potential criminal involvement.
Tinashe Chitambo
Last Seen: Victoria Falls Rain Forest
In March 2012, Tinashe Chitambo, 25, visited Victoria Falls with his sister. After lunch, he returned to the falls for another tour but never came back. A tourist reported seeing a man loitering around the falls, suspected to be Tinashe. Authorities have been unable to confirm any explanations, including suicide, and his body has never been found.
Gavin Cusi Octaviano
Last Seen: Golden Gate Bridge
Gavin Octaviano, 22, visited San Francisco for Thanksgiving in November 2018. He drove to the Golden Gate Bridge and parked his car. Hours later, a driver nearly hit Gavin walking near the bridge tunnel. He seemed disoriented. Gavin has not been seen since, leaving his family devastated and searching for answers.
Mujuet Bales
Last Seen: Central Park
In April 1994, Joseph Bales took his two-month-old daughter, Mujuet, to Central Park. He fell asleep on a bench, and when he awoke, Mujuet was gone. The story took a dark turn when it was revealed that Mujuet had died in Canada days before, and her parents staged her disappearance to avoid child abuse allegations. Mujuet’s body was later recovered, revealing a tragic cover-up.
Tylee Ryan and J.J. Vallow
Last Seen: Yellowstone National Park (Ryan) and Kennedy Elementary School (Vallow)
The disappearance of siblings Tylee Ryan and J.J. Vallow in September 2019 is a tragic and complex case. Tylee was last seen at Yellowstone National Park, and J.J. was last seen at school. Their mother, Lori Vallow, later married Chad Daybell, and both were connected to the children’s disappearance. The remains of Tylee and J.J. were found in Chad Daybell’s backyard in June 2020. This case has shocked the nation with its disturbing details.
Karl-Erivan Haub
Last Seen: Klein Matterhorn, Swiss Alps
In April 2018, German billionaire Karl-Erivan Haub disappeared while skiing on the Klein Matterhorn in the Swiss Alps. An experienced skier, he was training for a race. Despite extensive search efforts, no trace of him was ever found. It is believed he may have fallen into a crevasse, leaving the full truth of his disappearance undiscovered.
Floyd Roberts III
Last Seen: The Grand Canyon
Floyd Roberts III, 52, went hiking in the Grand Canyon with friends in June 2016. After separating from his companions, Floyd vanished. Despite a six-day search, no clues or evidence of his whereabouts were found. The case remains open, with the fate of Floyd Roberts III still unknown.
Ben Trommels
Last Seen: Niagara Falls, Ontario
Ben Trommels, a 24-year-old struggling with mental health issues, lived in Niagara Falls, Ontario. In February 2016, Ben told his mother he was “tired of it all” and expressed a desire to jump down the falls. He disappeared shortly after, and despite extensive searches, no sign of Ben was found. His mother believes he took his own life.
Prabhdeep Srawn
Last Seen: Kosciuszko National Park
Prabhdeep “Prabh” Srawn, 25, disappeared in Kosciuszko National Park in May 2013. He rented a van in Sydney and was seen heading toward the Main Range Trail. A severe snowstorm hit the area, making the trail difficult to navigate. Despite extensive searches, no trace of Prabh was ever found. He was declared dead in June 2015, leaving his family still hoping for a miracle.
These chilling disappearances remind us that even the most well-known and visited places can hold dark secrets. The unanswered questions and lingering mysteries continue to haunt those left behind.
What do you think happened in these mysterious disappearances? Leave your comment below!
