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David Reuben Boniske

The person at the center of this case

David Reuben Boniske

Case
#3018
SourceNamus MissingUpdated Jul 13, 2026
Thurston County Sheriff's Office
Missing Person · Open
48 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

🔍
evidence
Lead #1

Why were his camera, hang glider, cash, and a check left behind at the college if he departed voluntarily?

⏰
timeline
Lead #2

What was the nature of his science project and could it have put him in danger or involved him with someone?

📞
contact
Lead #3

Why have his phone and credit cards remained completely unused for nearly 50 years—does this indicate foul play or voluntary 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 an unfinished science project. His phone and credit cards have remained unused since his disappearance, suggesting an abrupt and unexplained departure. Nearly five decades later, the circumstances of his vanishing remain unknown, and investigators seek any information that might explain what happened to this young man.

Case
#3018
SourceNamus MissingUpdated Jul 13, 2026
Thurston County Sheriff's Office

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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.

📍
location
Lead #4

Were there any witnesses at his Olympia residence or the college campus on July 23, 1977?

Have information about any of these leads?

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

👤
1977-07-23

David Boniske Last Seen

David Reuben Boniske, age 21, was last seen at his home in Olympia, Washington. He was an Evergreen State College student working on a science project involving photography.

Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case

Case Information

Incident:July 23, 1977
Last Updated:July 14, 2026

Have Information?

Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.

Phone: 3607865500
You can remain anonymous

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Case Information

Incident:July 23, 1977
Last Updated:July 14, 2026

Have Information?

Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.

Phone: 3607865500
You can remain anonymous