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, hang glider, and personal items left behind at the college? What was the nature of his science project and was it significant to his disappearance?
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timeline
Lead #2What occurred between his last sighting on July 23, 1977, and the discovery that he was missing? Were there any witnesses to his activities that day?
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clue
Lead #3The complete absence of financial activity and phone use suggests either foul play or a deliberate disappearance. Which scenario do investigators favor?
David Reuben Boniske, a 21-year-old Evergreen State College student, disappeared 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 since his disappearance, suggesting an abrupt and unexplained departure. Nearly five decades later, the circumstances of his vanishing remain unknown, and investigators continue to seek information about what happened to him.
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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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person
Lead #4Did Boniske have any conflicts, relationships, or personal issues that might explain his sudden vanishing?
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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 Known Contact
David Reuben Boniske was last seen at his home in Olympia, Washington. He was a 21-year-old student at Evergreen State College.
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1977-07-23
Abandoned Items
Camera, hang glider, cash, and a check were left at the college. Boniske's camera was part of an ongoing science project at the time of his disappearance.
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1977-07-23
No Financial Activity
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:July 22, 2026
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Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 3607865500
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Case Information
Incident:July 23, 1977
Last Updated:July 22, 2026
Have Information?
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 3607865500
You can remain anonymous