In American parks and wilderness areas, some people disappear after only a brief separation from family, friends, or a marked trail. Missing 411 is the name given to a body of books, films, and investigations developed by author David Paulides, who argues that certain disappearances share repeated unusual features. This episode follows documented cases often discussed in that context, including Dennis Martin in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Stacey Arras in Yosemite, Polly Melton near Deep Creek, Samuel Boehlke at Crater Lake, and Cian McLaughlin in Grand Teton. The people are real, the searches were extensive, and some cases remain unresolved. But Missing 411 is not an official law-enforcement category, and no agency has confirmed that these disappearances form one connected phenomenon. The evidence trail runs through ranger records, witness statements, search maps, dog reports, weather, terrain, and later media claims. The central question is whether the repeated details show a genuine pattern, ordinary wilderness danger, fragmented records, selective case selection, or several causes at once.

This podcast uses artificial intelligence in its research, writing, production, and narration. Episodes are editorially reviewed before publication.

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