The person at the center of this case
Edward Joseph Garlinghouse
Missing Person · Closed - Presumed Drowned
13 years waiting · since 2013
Missing Person: Edward Joseph Garlinghouse
Justice for Edward Joseph Garlinghouse — the trail went cold in 2013, but the truth hasn't.
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Key leads to think about
🔍
evidence
Lead #1Why was Garlinghouse's body never recovered despite extensive search efforts by law enforcement and Coast Guard?
👁️
witness
Lead #2What did the three other male rescuers observe about Garlinghouse's condition and movements in the water?
💡
clue
Lead #3Were there any rip current or water condition factors that specifically affected Garlinghouse differently than the other rescuers?
On February 9, 2013, Edward Joseph Garlinghouse, a 44-year-old male, entered the ocean near Palm Beach Shores to help rescue two young girls caught in a rip current. While the girls and three other rescuers made it safely back to shore, Garlinghouse was observed struggling in the water and did not return. An extensive search by local law enforcement and the Coast Guard was suspended on February 10, with Garlinghouse presumed drowned, though his body was never recovered.
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Official wording
Source Narrative
NamUs case MP20340. Missing person: Edward Joseph Garlinghouse.
Last known contact: 2013-02-09 in Palm Beach Shores, Palm Beach, FL. Circumstances: On February 9, 2013, approximatley noon, Garlinghouse and three other adult males went into the ocean to rescue two young girls that were caught in a rip current.
The girls were brought back to the beach safely but Garlinghouse was seen having troulbe in water and did not make it back to the shore with the other three males. There was an extensive search by local law enforcement agencies as well as the Coast Guard.
The search was suspended at 11am on February 10 as Garlinghouse was not recovered and was presumed drowned. Demographics: 44 years, Male, White / Caucasian.
Physical description: 6 ft 0 in, 180 lbs, hair: Brown, eyes: Green. Clothing and accessories: Clothing: Blue swim trunks with a white stripe; Eyewear: none; Footwear: none; Jewelry: none.
Investigating agency: Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office | 13-036047 | 2013-02-10.
Timeline of Events
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2013-02-09
12:00Garlinghouse enters ocean for rescue
Edward Joseph Garlinghouse and three other adult males entered the ocean to rescue two young girls caught in a rip current near noon.
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2013-02-09
Last seen struggling in water
Garlinghouse was observed having trouble in the water and did not return to shore with the other three male rescuers.
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2013-02-10
11:00Search suspended
Extensive search by Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office and Coast Guard was suspended at 11am on February 10. Garlinghouse was presumed drowned.
Key Locations
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Case Information
Incident:February 9, 2013 at 12:00 PM
Last Updated:August 20, 2026
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Phone: 5616883000
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Case Information
Incident:February 9, 2013 at 12:00 PM
Last Updated:August 20, 2026
Have Information?
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 5616883000
You can remain anonymous