The search for 39-year-old Chris Palmer and his loyal German Shepherd, Zoey, has taken a devastating turn, with his family now convinced that both have perished amid a backdrop of terminal illness and profound loss.

Palmer, an avid outdoorsman from Arkansas, vanished after embarking on a camping trip that began in early December. He last contacted family on January 9, 2026, while traveling through national parks. What started as concern over spotty cell service escalated when his red 2017 Ford F-250 pickup truck was discovered stuck on the beach at Cape Hatteras National Seashore in North Carolina’s Outer Banks on January 12.

Inside the abandoned vehicle, authorities found key items including camping gear, a shotgun, and crucially, a shovel—evidence that would later fuel heartbreaking speculation. Dog hair was scattered in the bed of the truck, alongside a pack of red-and-white medication believed to belong to Zoey, the 11-year-old German Shepherd who suffered from severe hip dysplasia and required multiple daily pills to manage her pain and declining health.

As search efforts intensified with drones, teams, and volunteers—including the United Cajun Navy—paltry clues emerged. A blue-and-white kayak seen in traffic camera footage on January 9 was missing from the truck, and phone pings placed Palmer near Avon on January 10 and Cape Point the next day. Personal belongings believed to be his washed up along the coastline, heightening fears.

In a series of emotional Facebook updates, Palmer’s father, Bren Palmer, revealed the family’s recent discovery: Chris had been facing a terminal illness. “Christopher loved the outdoors and valued his independence,” Bren wrote. “The treatments ahead would have taken much of that away, and he did not want that future for himself.” This revelation shifted the narrative from a simple missing persons case to one of profound personal struggle.

Further updates focused on Zoey. The family believes Chris spent time in the woods tending to his dying companion in her final days. After her passing, he used the shovel to bury her before continuing to the coast. “Zoey was very sick, took several medications, and had severe hip dysplasia,” Bren explained. “It’s our belief that our son spent some time in the woods to be with her in her final days.”

With heavy hearts, the family requested an end to all active searches, stating they believe Chris “perished in the sea.” No body has been recovered, and authorities have not officially confirmed the outcome, but the combination of evidence—the abandoned truck, missing kayak, scattered belongings, and the medication pack—paints a picture of a man choosing a final act of freedom and companionship over prolonged suffering.

The case has moved communities, raising awareness about the emotional toll of serious medical challenges. Volunteers and first responders poured effort into the search, but the Palmers expressed deep gratitude and a measure of peace in their understanding.