The person at the center of this case
Dean Merlin Lewis
Missing Person · Open
22 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 #1What were the circumstances that led to the 1987 Volkswagen van being abandoned at the campgrounds on September 29?
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location
Lead #2Were there any witnesses at Hamlin Beach State Park during the period between September 25-29, 2003?
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evidence
Lead #3What evidence was found in or around the abandoned van that might explain Lewis's disappearance?
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 on September 29, 2003. Despite ongoing investigation by New York State Police, the circumstances of his disappearance remain unknown and the case remains unsolved.
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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.
⏰
timeline
Lead #4Why did it take four days for the van to be discovered, and was anyone reported missing during that time?
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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 last known contact and entry into Hamlin Beach State Park in Hamlin, NY
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2003-09-29
Abandoned vehicle discovered
Lewis's 1987 Volkswagen van found abandoned at Hamlin Beach State Park Campgrounds
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Case Information
Incident:September 25, 2003
Last Updated:June 26, 2026
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Phone: 5853984100
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Case Information
Incident:September 25, 2003
Last Updated:June 26, 2026
Have Information?
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 5853984100
You can remain anonymous