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 his camera, hang glider, cash, and check left at Evergreen State College rather than at his home?
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timeline
Lead #2What was the nature of his science project and why was it abandoned mid-project?
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clue
Lead #3Complete absence of phone and credit card usage for nearly 50 years—does this indicate voluntary disappearance or foul play?
David Reuben Boniske, a 21-year-old Evergreen State College student, vanished from his home in Olympia, Washington on July 23, 1977, leaving behind his camera, hang glider, and an incomplete science project. His phone and credit cards have remained unused for nearly 50 years, suggesting foul play or a deliberate disappearance. Despite decades passing, the circumstances of his vanishing remain unexplained and warrant continued investigation.
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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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witness
Lead #4Were there any witnesses to his activities on July 23, 1977, or in the days preceding his disappearance?
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location
Lead #5Did he have any connection to outdoor activities or locations that might relate to his hang glider interest?
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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 Known Contact
David Reuben Boniske was last seen at his home in Olympia, Washington. He was an Evergreen State College student working on a science project involving photography.
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1977-07-23
Disappearance
David disappeared from his residence. His camera, hang glider, cash, and a check were left at the college. His phone and credit cards have not been used since this date.
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