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 content and handwriting analysis of the note left by John? Could it provide clues about his mental state or intentions?
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person
Lead #2Why did a 20-year-old with his own vehicle choose to leave on foot or with someone else, and where was he planning to go?
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witness
Lead #3Did anyone in the neighborhood see John leaving on November 2, 1980, or notice any unusual activity around the residence?
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 remained parked in the family driveway, suggesting he left on foot or with someone else. Despite decades of investigation, his whereabouts and circumstances 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 come forward with information about John's whereabouts or activities in the days or weeks following his disappearance?
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
Last Known Contact and Disappearance
Parents received a note in their mailbox from John stating he was going away for a while and 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
Last Updated:June 26, 2026
Have Information?
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