The person at the center of this case
John Thomas Degnan III
Missing Person · Open
45 years waiting · since 1980
Missing Person: John Thomas Degnan III
Justice for John Thomas Degnan III — the trail went cold in 1980, but the truth hasn't.
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Key leads to think about
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evidence
Lead #1Why did John leave a note indicating he was going away intentionally? Was this planned or coerced?
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vehicle
Lead #2His car remained in the driveway—how did he leave the area and with whom?
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timeline
Lead #3What happened between writing the note and his disappearance that same morning?
John Thomas Degnan III, a 20-year-old male, disappeared from Fort Lauderdale, Florida on November 2, 1980, after leaving a note for his parents stating he was going away for a while. His vehicle was found parked in the family driveway, suggesting he left on foot or with someone else. Despite decades of investigation by the Fort Lauderdale Police Department, his whereabouts remain unknown and any information about his disappearance could help resolve this long-standing case.
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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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witness
Lead #4Did anyone see John leaving the residence or in the Fort Lauderdale area on November 2, 1980?
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 MP20826. Missing person: John Thomas Degnan III.
Last known contact: 1980-11-02 in Fort Lauderdale, Broward, FL. Circumstances: Per law enforcement - Parents received a note in their mailbox from MP on the morning of 11/2/1980 that he was going away for a while and would be back that they shouldn't worry, Love John.
His vehicle was left parked in the driveway. Demographics: 20 years, Male, White / Caucasian.
Physical description: 5 ft 7 in, 145 lbs, hair: Brown, eyes: Hazel. Clothing and accessories: Clothing: rust colored tee shirt with Fisherman Wharf logo on front, blue polyester slacks; Footwear: silver and blue running shoes.
Investigating agency: Fort Lauderdale Police Department | 80-139541 | 1980-11-12.
Timeline of Events
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1980-11-02
morningLast Contact and Note Left
Parents received a note in their mailbox from John stating he was going away for a while and would be back, instructing them not to worry. His vehicle was left parked in the driveway.
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Case Information
Incident:November 2, 1980 at Invalid Date
Last Updated:September 27, 2026
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Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 9547644357
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Case Information
Incident:November 2, 1980 at Invalid Date
Last Updated:September 27, 2026
Have Information?
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 9547644357
You can remain anonymous