The person at the center of this case
Richard Duncan Rutledge
Missing Person · Open - Presumed Drowned
293 days waiting
Missing Person: Richard Duncan Rutledge
Justice for Richard Duncan Rutledge — the trail went cold in 2025, but the truth hasn't.
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Key leads to think about
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evidence
Lead #1Why were Richard's boots and cold-weather gear left on the riverbank? Did he remove them before entering the water?
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location
Lead #2Exact location on the Nooksack River where the dog and gear were found—could help determine entry point and search downstream areas.
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clue
Lead #3Heavy rain and flooding conditions created swift water and low temperatures—what specific water level and temperature readings were recorded that day?
Richard Duncan Rutledge, a 61-year-old male, went missing on December 28, 2025, after taking his dog for a walk near the Nooksack River in Lynden, Washington during heavy flooding and swift water conditions. His dog was found on the riverbank along with his boots and cold-weather gear, suggesting he may have entered the water to rescue the dog and was swept downstream. He is presumed drowned, though his body has not been recovered and the case remains open pending further investigation.
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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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person
Lead #4Was the dog injured or in distress, and could examination of the dog provide clues about what happened?
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evidence
Lead #5Body recovery efforts—has the river been searched downstream from the discovery site where conditions might allow a body to be recovered?
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Even the smallest detail could be the key to solving this case.
Official wording
Source Narrative
NamUs case MP157831. Missing person: Richard Duncan Rutledge.
Last known contact: 2025-12-28 in Lynden, Whatcom, WA. Circumstances: Richard was last seen around 10:30am at his home before taking his dog for a walk/run near the Nooksack River.
Heavy rain and flooding had recently occurred in the area. The river was moving very swiftly and water temperatures were very low.
The dog was later found on the riverbank along with Richard's boots and warm weather gear (jackets & gloves). It is believed Richard may have gone in the water to help the dog get out, but was then swept downstream.
He is presumed drowned. Richard's cellphone was located inside his vehicle which was parked nearby.
Demographics: 61 years, Male, White / Caucasian. Physical description: 5 ft 9 in, 185 lbs, hair: Bald, eyes: Blue.
Clothing and accessories: Clothing: No clothing description is available. Investigating agency: Whatcom County Sheriff's Office | 25A45915 | 2025-12-28.
Timeline of Events
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2025-12-28
10:30Last Seen at Home
Richard was last seen at his home before taking his dog for a walk/run near the Nooksack River.
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2025-12-28
Dog and Gear Found
Richard's dog was found on the riverbank along with his boots, jackets, and gloves. His cellphone was located in his parked vehicle nearby.
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Case Information
Incident:December 28, 2025 at 10:30 AM
Last Updated:September 26, 2026
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Phone: 3607786600
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Case Information
Incident:December 28, 2025 at 10:30 AM
Last Updated:September 26, 2026
Have Information?
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 3607786600
You can remain anonymous