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 was the condition of the 1987 Volkswagen van when discovered, and were there any personal belongings or clues inside?
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location
Lead #2Why did Dean Lewis travel to campgrounds within State Parks, and what was his planned itinerary?
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witness
Lead #3Were there any campers or park visitors at Hamlin Beach State Park on September 25-29, 2003 who may have seen Lewis or his van?
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 authorities continue to seek information about what happened to Lewis.
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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.
💡
clue
Lead #4What circumstances led to the discovery of the abandoned van four days after his disappearance?
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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
👤
2003-09-25
Dean Lewis enters Hamlin Beach State Park
Dean Merlin Lewis last seen entering Hamlin Beach State Park in Hamlin, New York
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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:August 12, 2026
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Phone: 5853984100
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Case Information
Incident:September 25, 2003
Last Updated:August 12, 2026
Have Information?
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 5853984100
You can remain anonymous