The person at the center of this case
Dean Merlin Lewis
Missing Person · Open
23 years waiting · since 2003
Missing Person: Dean Merlin Lewis
Justice for Dean Merlin Lewis — the trail went cold in 2003, but the truth hasn't.
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Key leads to think about
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vehicle
Lead #1Why was Dean's 1987 Volkswagen van abandoned at the campgrounds? Was it locked or unlocked, and were there any signs of struggle or personal belongings inside?
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location
Lead #2What specific area of Hamlin Beach State Park was Dean last seen or known to be? Were there witnesses at the campground or park?
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timeline
Lead #3What happened during the four days between September 25 and September 29 when the van was discovered? Did anyone see Dean or the vehicle during this period?
Dean Merlin Lewis, a 42-year-old man, disappeared on September 25, 2003, after entering Hamlin Beach State Park in Hamlin, New York. His abandoned 1987 Volkswagen van was discovered at the park's campgrounds four days later, but Dean himself has never been found. The circumstances of his disappearance remain unknown, and investigators continue to seek information about what happened to him during his solo camping trip.
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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 #4Dean was traveling solo and staying in various State Park campgrounds. Did he have any regular contacts or planned check-ins with family or friends that were missed?
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 MP8027. Missing person: Dean Merlin Lewis.
Last known contact: 2003-09-25 in Hamlin, Monroe, NY. Circumstances: Dean Lewis has not been seen or heard from since entering Hamlin Beach State Park in Hamlin, NY on September 25, 2003.
Lewis's 1987 Volkswagen van was found abandoned on September 29, 2003 at the Hamlin Beach State Park Campgrounds. Lewis traveled to the East Coast staying in campgrounds within State Parks prior to his disappearance.
Demographics: 42 years, Male, White / Caucasian. Physical description: 5 ft 11 in, 175 lbs, hair: Brown, eyes: Blue.
Clothing and accessories: Eyewear: glasses. Investigating agency: New York State Police - Troop E Headquarters | EHEN00264 / SJS: 544610.
Timeline of Events
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2003-09-25
Dean Lewis enters Hamlin Beach State Park
Dean Merlin Lewis, age 42, was last known to enter Hamlin Beach State Park in Hamlin, NY. He was traveling and staying in campgrounds within State Parks on the East Coast.
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2003-09-29
Abandoned vehicle located
Dean's 1987 Volkswagen van was found abandoned at Hamlin Beach State Park Campgrounds, four days after his disappearance.
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Case Information
Incident:September 25, 2003
Last Updated:September 27, 2026
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Phone: 5853984100
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Case Information
Incident:September 25, 2003
Last Updated:September 27, 2026
Have Information?
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 5853984100
You can remain anonymous