The person at the center of this case
Richard Duncan Rutledge
Missing Person · Open - Presumed Drowned
203 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 warm weather gear found on the riverbank? Do they indicate he entered the water voluntarily to help his dog?
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location
Lead #2Has the Nooksack River been thoroughly searched downstream from the discovery point given the swift water conditions and low temperatures?
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clue
Lead #3The dog's survival versus Richard's presumed drowning suggests he may have sacrificed himself to save the animal—was there any evidence of struggle or distress at the scene?
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 later found on the riverbank along with his boots and outerwear, suggesting he may have entered the water to assist the animal. He is presumed drowned, though his body has not been recovered, and the Whatcom County Sheriff's Office continues to investigate the circumstances.
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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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timeline
Lead #4What is the exact timeline between when Richard left his home and when his dog and belongings were discovered?
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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 Sighting 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 Belongings 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:July 6, 2026
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Phone: 3607786600
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Case Information
Incident:December 28, 2025 at 10:30 AM
Last Updated:July 6, 2026
Have Information?
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 3607786600
You can remain anonymous