The person at the center of this case
David Reuben Boniske
Missing Person · Open
49 years waiting · since 1977
Missing Person: David Reuben Boniske
Justice for David Reuben Boniske — the trail went cold in 1977, but the truth hasn't.
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Key leads to think about
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evidence
Lead #1Why were Boniske's camera and hang glider left behind mid-project at the college? Did he plan to return?
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timeline
Lead #2What was the exact timeline of events on July 23, 1977? Who last saw him and under what circumstances?
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location
Lead #3Were there any witnesses at his Olympia residence or nearby areas on the day of disappearance?
David Reuben Boniske, a 21-year-old Evergreen State College student, disappeared on July 23, 1977, from his home in Olympia, Washington, leaving behind his camera, hang glider, and personal belongings mid-project. His phone and credit cards have remained unused since his disappearance nearly 50 years ago, suggesting an unexpected departure or foul play. The case remains unsolved, and investigators continue to seek information about the circumstances surrounding his vanishing.
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More leads to consider
Beyond the top three above — each detail below could be the thread that pulls this case open.
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clue
Lead #4The unused phone and credit cards suggest either voluntary disappearance or sudden incapacity—which scenario fits the evidence?
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Even the smallest detail could be the key to solving this case.
Official wording
Source Narrative
NamUs case MP17959. Missing person: David Reuben Boniske.
Last known contact: 1977-07-23 in Olympia, Thurston, WA. Circumstances: David Boniske was last seen on July 23, 1977, at his home in Olympia, Washington.
He was an Evergreen State College student at the time. A telephone and other credit cards which he normally used have not been used since his disappearance.
Some cash and a check were also left at the college, along with Boniske's camera and hang glider. At the time of his disappearance, Boniske had a science project going involving the camera, which he used extensively.
His disappearance occurred in the middle of the project. Demographics: 21 years, Male, White / Caucasian.
Physical description: 6 ft 5 in, 170 lbs, hair: Brown, eyes: Hazel. Clothing and accessories: Eyewear: wears glasses.
Investigating agency: Thurston County Sheriff's Office | 77-13827.
Timeline of Events
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1977-07-23
Last Seen at Home
David Reuben Boniske was last seen at his home in Olympia, Washington on July 23, 1977.
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1977-07-23
Personal Items Left Behind
Camera, hang glider, cash, and a check were left at Evergreen State College. The camera was part of an active science project.
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1977-07-23
No Further Contact
Telephone and credit cards normally used by Boniske have not been used since his disappearance.
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Case Information
Incident:July 23, 1977
Last Updated:September 28, 2026
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Phone: 3607865500
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Case Information
Incident:July 23, 1977
Last Updated:September 28, 2026
Have Information?
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 3607865500
You can remain anonymous