
The person at the center of this case
Wayne Dee Heath
Justice for Wayne Dee Heath — the trail went cold in 1986, but the truth hasn't.
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Why was the body never recovered despite the boat being found? What do river currents and conditions suggest about where remains might be?
The friend who was with Heath at the time—what additional details might they provide about the exact circumstances and Heath's swimming ability?
How far downstream did witnesses observe Heath drift? Could systematic searches of downstream areas yield any remains or evidence?
Wayne Dee Heath, a 37-year-old man, went missing on April 1, 1986, while fishing on the South Fork Snake River near Bonneville, Idaho. He and a friend were attempting to free an anchor rope caught in their boat's propeller when the vessel filled with water; Heath was unable to reach shore and is presumed drowned. Witnesses saw him drift downstream out of sight, though his body was never recovered despite the boat being found.
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Official wording
NamUs case MP79482. Missing person: Wayne Dee Heath.
Last known contact: 1986-04-01 in South Fork Snake River, Bonneville, ID. Circumstances: Victim was fishing on the South Fork of the Snake River with a friend when they attempted to free an anchor rope which became entangled in the propeller of the motor on their aluminum boat.
The boat filled with water and both parties exited the boat. Victim was unable to reach the shore and is presumed drowned.
Witnesses observed the victim drifting downstream out of sight. The boat was recovered.
Demographics: 37 years, Male, White / Caucasian. Physical description: 5 ft 9 in, 175 lbs, hair: Brown, eyes: Brown.
Clothing and accessories: Clothing: Black snowmobile outfit; Footwear: Boots. Investigating agency: Bonneville County Sheriff's Office | 86-5456 | 1986-04-01.
Wayne Dee Heath went missing while fishing with a friend on the South Fork Snake River. While attempting to free an anchor rope caught in the boat's propeller, the aluminum boat filled with water. Heath was unable to reach shore and drifted downstream out of sight. He is presumed drowned.
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.