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
🔍
evidence
Lead #1Why did John leave a note indicating he would return, yet never made contact with family again for over 40 years?
💡
clue
Lead #2What was the significance of leaving his vehicle behind—did he have another means of transportation or was he picked up by someone?
👁️
witness
Lead #3Did anyone see John on November 2, 1980, or in the days following his disappearance in the Fort Lauderdale area?
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, his whereabouts and fate 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 John attempted any contact with family members, used financial accounts, or been identified in any capacity since 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
morningLast Contact and Disappearance
Parents received a note from John stating he was going away for a while and not to worry. His vehicle was left parked in the driveway.
🕵️
1980-11-12
Case Filed
Fort Lauderdale Police Department opened case MP20826 (Report #80-139541).
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Case Information
Incident:November 2, 1980 at Invalid Date
Last Updated:June 19, 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:June 19, 2026
Have Information?
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 9547644357
You can remain anonymous