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 #1What was the exact wording and handwriting analysis of the note left in the mailbox?
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witness
Lead #2Did anyone see John leave the house or get into a vehicle on November 2, 1980?
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clue
Lead #3Why would a 20-year-old leave his vehicle behind if he was planning to go away?
John Thomas Degnan III, a 20-year-old white 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, his whereabouts remain unknown, and anyone with information about his disappearance is urged to contact the Fort Lauderdale Police Department.
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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.
📞
contact
Lead #4Has anyone reported contact with John since November 2, 1980?
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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
👤
1980-11-02
John Degnan III goes missing
Parents received a note in their mailbox stating he was going away for a while and would be back; 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
Last Updated:June 26, 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
Last Updated:June 26, 2026
Have Information?
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 9547644357
You can remain anonymous