SO EP:581 Missing: National Park Nightmares Part One

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out here? Did you see what it was? It was enough here. Look, I'm new to window now and I don't need anything. I don't want to go outside. Hello, hit the boddy out here? What quin I'm out there? I thought of a bench about text nine. I don't know easy an out there? Yeah, I'm walking right heady h Hey there.

around our national parks. We dropped the first episode this past Sunday and the response has been nothing short of overwhelming, So I thought, why not bring it over here and share it with you as a little true Crime Tuesday bonus. I hope you enjoy it, and if you do, I'd love to hear from you. Shoot me an email or leave me a voicemail using the button right there in the show notes. Your feedback means more than you could ever know, and it truly makes a difference in the

type of content we bring you. All right, let's not waste any more time. Sit back, relax, maybe grab a lantern, and get ready as we head deep into the woods for this first installment of National Park Nightmares. There's something unsettling about the vast, untamed wilderness of our national parks. Sprawling landscapes of breathtaking beauty. Towering granite cliffs, deep forests, rushing rivers, and endless trails draw millions of visitors each year.

But for some, these places are more than just an escape into nature. For an unknown number of individuals, they become the last place they are ever seen. Over the years, countless people have vanished under circumstances that defy explanation. While some disappearances can be attributed to accidents, wildlife encounters, or simply getting lost, others bear a series of eerily consistent patterns that raise unsettling questions. Time and time again. These

cases unfold in strikingly similar ways. Many of those who go missing or last seen near lakes, rivers, or streams. In some cases, their belongings or even bodies are later discovered in or near water, sometimes in locations that had already been thoroughly searched. Strange as it may seem, disappearances often happen near large rock formations, cliffs, or granite structures. Whether this is a coincidence or something more is unknown,

but the trend is undeniable. Another common theme is the abrupt onset of extreme weather unexpected snowstorms, torrential rain, dense fog that hamper search efforts and erases crucial evidence. Search teams have often been forced to halt operations due to

these sudden and sometimes unseasonal weather shifts. When remains or belongings are found, They often turn up in baffling locations, sometimes miles from where the person was last seen, in terrain so difficult that even experienced hikers would struggle to get there. Other times, items of clothing are discovered neatly folded, or shoes are missing, despite no apparent reason for them

to have been removed. Many of these cases involve individuals who were highly experienced in the outdoors, hikers, hunters, and even park rangers, people who knew how to survive in the wild and had no reason to simply wander off or take unnecessary risks. Yet they vanished just the same,

with little to no evidence left behind. One of the most perplexing aspects of these cases is when young children go missing, only to be found alive days later in places that should have been impossible for them to reach on their own. Some have no recollection of what happened, while others describe strange and unsettling experiences. Despite extensive efforts involving dogs, helicopters, and expert trackers, some of these individuals

are never found. Others appear in places that had been searched multiple times, raising the question were they always there or were they brought back. Over the next several weeks, we're going to take a deep dive into some of the most baffling disappearances that have taken place in our national parks. Every Sunday, we'll examine a different case, analyzing the details, considering the possibilities, and exploring the strange circumstances

that seem to surround these tragedies. I invite you to join me on this journey, not only to remember those who have vanished, but to explore the deeper mystery behind these cases. Are these disappearances merely a tragic byproduct of the wilderness, or is there something more at play? Let's find out together. In this series, we will cover numerous strange and unexplainable disappearances across the country, from the dense forests of the Pacific Northwest to the deep canyons of

the Southwest. As we dig deeper, we will encounter chilling theories, eerie folklore, and at times facts that truly are stranger than fiction. One theory that occasionally arises in discussions of these disappearances is the involvement of an unknown creature Bigfoot. Some speculate that the elusive legendary creature known as Sasquatch may play a role in these vanishings. Let me be clear, I am in no way suggesting that Sasquatch or any

cryptid was involved in the cases we will cover. My goal is to approach these stories with respect for the missing individuals and their loved ones, to examine the facts, and to give voice to the lingering mysteries that continue to haunt those left searching for answers. The goal of this series is not to sensationalize, but to investigate, analyze, and share the real, documented circumstances of these baffling cases. So join me as we begin our journey into National

Park nightmares. In this first episode, we explore three particularly unsettling cases, the disappearance of six year old Dennis Martin in the Great Smoky Mountains, the strange vanishing of Thelmapauline Melton on a familiar hiking trail, and the baffling case of honeymooners Bessie and Glen Hyde, who disappeared while attempting to navigate the Grand Canyon's treacherous rapids. Each of these cases has confounded investigators for decades, and the answers if

they exist remain just beyond our grasp. Nestled in the heart of Appalachia, Great Smoky Mountains National Park stands as a testament to nature's enduring beauty and resilience. Established in nineteen thirty four and officially dedicated in nineteen forty, the park sprawls over five hundred twenty two thousand, four hundred nineteen acres, straddling the border between Tennessee and North Carolina.

Its vast expanse encompasses ancient mountains, diverse ecosystems, and remnants of Southern Appalachian culture, offering visitors a rich tapestry of natural and cultural history. As the most visited national park in the United States, Great Smoky Mountains National Park has

seen fluctuating visitation numbers over the years. Home to over one thousand, five hundred species of flowering plants, including thirty five types of orchids and fifty eight members of the lily family, Approximately ninety five percent of the park is forested, with about twenty five percent designated as old growth forest. The park hosts sixty five species of mammals, over two hundred, forty bird species, forty three amphibian species, sixty seven fish

species and forty reptile species. Notably, the park is dubbed the Salamander Capital of the World due to its rich salamander diversity. Visitors can engage in a multitude of activities. The park boasts eight hundred and fifty miles of trails, including a segment of the Appalachian Trail. It also features routes like Newfound Gap Road and the CAD's Cove Loop Road. There are endless opportunities to observe species such as black bears,

white tailed deer, and various bird species. Beyond its breathtaking vistas and rich biodiversity, Great Smoky Mountains National Park harbors stories of mystery and unresolved disappearances. Since its establishment in nineteen thirty four, at least five individuals have vanished within its boundaries, leaving behind unanswered questions and enduring intrigue. One of the most haunting cases is that of six year

old Dennis Martin. On June fourteenth, nineteen sixty nine, during a Father's Day camping trip with his family at Spence Field near the Appalachian Trail, Dennis disappeared while playing a game of hide and seek. Despite an extensive search, involving approximately one thy four hundred people and covering a fifty six square mile area, the largest in the park's history. No trace of Dennis was ever found. In October nineteen seventy six, sixteen year old Trainy Gibson embarked on a

field trip with her high school to the park. While hiking the trail from Klingman's Dome to Andrew's Bald, she was last seen veering off the path, reportedly to observe something that caught her attention. Despite extensive searches, no clues regarding her whereabouts had been discovered. At fifty eight. Polly Melton was familiar with the park's trails. On September twenty fifth, nineteen eighty one, while hiking Deep Creek Trail with friends,

she unexpectedly quickened her pace, leaving her companions behind. When they reached the trailhead, Polly was nowhere to be found, and subsequent searches yielded no evidence of her fate. These cases underscore the unpredictable nature of the wilderness. The park's dense forests, steep terrains, and variable weather can pose significant challenges even for seasoned hikers. While some speculate about animal attacks or accidental injuries. Others considered the possibility of foul play.

The lack of concrete evidence in these disappearances has led to numerous theories, but definitive answers remain elusive. The National Park Service continues to investigate these cold cases, urging anyone with information to come forward. Visitors are advised to take necessary precautions, stay on marked trails, hike with companions, inform others of their itineraries, and be prepared for sudden weather changes. The beauty of the Smokies is undeniable, but it's essential

to approach its vastness with respect and caution. Great Smoky Mountains National Park remains a cherished natural sanctuary, attracting millions with its majestic landscapes and rich biodiversity. However, amidst its allure lies a reminder of nature's unpredictability and the enduring mysteries that continue to perplex and haunt us. Now, let's step into the unknown and examine the first case, the

disappearance of Dennis Martin. It was Father's Day weekend in nineteen sixty and the Martin family had planned a camping trip to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a place of lush forests and rolling hills. Six year old Dennis Martin was a lively and energetic boy, excited to be in the wilderness with his family. On June fourteenth, at a popular camping site known as Spence Field, Dennis and his brother were playing with two other children from another family.

The boys decided to play a prank on the adults, hiding behind the bushes and jumping out to scare them. It was all in good fun. The plan was for Dennis to circle around the brush and surprise the group from behind, but Dennis never came back. His family immediately started searching, calling out his name. Within minutes, panic set in The area was thoroughly combed by campers and later by park rangers, but there was no sign of Dennis.

Within hours, hundreds of searchers, including green berets, FBI agents, and local volunteers scoured the forest, yet the little boy had vanished into thin air. Strangely, on the same afternoon, a family reported hearing an ear piercing scream in the woods about a mile away from where Dennis was last seen. Another witness, a park visitor, claimed to have seen a disheveled bear like man carrying something over his shoulder heading

deeper into the forest. These chilling accounts led some to speculate that Dennis may have been abducted rather than simply wandering off. Dennis Lloyd Martin was born on June twentieth, nineteen sixty two, to William Clyde Martin and his wife Violet. A quiet and reserved child, Dennis had a slight developmental delay, placing his mental age about half a year behind his peers. Despite this, he was active and adventurous, cherishing outdoor activities,

especially those involving his family. The Martins had a tradition of celebrating Father's Day with camping trips, and the nineteen sixty nine excursion was no exception. Stay tuned for more sasquatch Ottes see. We'll be right back after these messages. On June thirteenth, nineteen sixty nine, Dennis, his father, William, his grandfather Clyde, and his nine year old brother Douglas embarked on a camping trip in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. They began their hike from Cade's Cove to

Russell Field, camping overnight. The following day, they continued to Spencefield, a highland meadow along the Appalachian Trail, intending to spend the night there. At approximately four thirty PM on June fourteenth, while at spence Field, Dennis and his brother met two other boys from another family. The children decided to play a prank on the adults by hiding separately and then

simultaneously jumping out to startle them. Dennis, wearing a bright red T shirt, green shorts, and low cut Oxford shoes, was instructed to hide behind a bush. The other boys executed the prank successfully, but when Dennis's turn came, he was nowhere to be found. William Martin immediately began searching for his son, calling out his name and scouring the nearby area. After about twenty minutes without success, panic set in.

Clyde Martin, Dennis's grandfather, hurried down the trail toward Cade's Cove to seek help, covering nearly six miles to reach the ranger station by eight thirty PM. Park rangers promptly initiated a search operation that would soon escalate into one of the most extensive in the park's history. The search for Dennis Martin mobilized an unprecedented number of resources. Over

the course of two weeks. Approximately one thoy four hundred people participated, including park rangers, National Guard troops, special forces such as the Green Berets, and countless volunteers. The search area spanned around fifty six square miles of rugged terrain characterized by steep slopes, dense underbrush, and deep ravines. The operation faced numerous challenges. Shortly after Dennis's disappearance, a heavy downpour ensued, dropping three inches of rain in a matter

of hours. This not only hampered visibility, but also washed away potential clues and made trails treacherous. Temperatures that night dropped to nearly fifty degrees fahrenheit, raising concerns about hypothermia, especially for a young child without shelter. Despite the vast man power, the search faced coordination issues. The sheer number of volunteers, many untrained in search and rescue operations, led

to concerns about trampling over evidence. Footprints were discovered, but were dismissed by officials who believed they belonged to a boy scout involved in the search. However, some trackers, including retired park ranger and expert tracker Dwight Macarter believed the footprints, which indicated one foot was barefoot while the other wore an Oxford or tennis shoe, could have been Denis's. Amid the search efforts, a potential lead emerged from another family

visiting the park. The Key family from Carthage, Tennessee, reported hearing an enormous, sickening scream around five pm on the day Denis disappeared. Shortly after, they claimed to have seen a disheveled, rough looking man running up a trail near where the scream had originated. The individual appeared to be attempting to remain unseen, and was spotted in an area approximately five miles from Spence Field. This account led to

speculation that Dennis might have been abducted. However, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and park rangers found insufficient evidence to link the sighting to Dennis's disappearance. The distance between the locations and the challenging terrain made it unlikely that Dennis could have covered such ground in that time frame. Moreover, the report came five weeks after the incident, diminishing its reliability.

Several theories have been proposed regarding Dennis Martin's disappearance. The most widely accepted theory is that Dennis wandered away from the group, became lost and succumbed to the elements, or an accident in the challenging terrain. The heavy rain, dropping temperatures, and dense forest could have disoriented him, leading to fatal consequences. Another possibility is that Dennis was attacked and carried off by a wild animal, such as a black bear or

a feral pig, both of which inhabit the park. However, no signs of an animal attack, such as blood or torn clothing, were ever found. Some speculate that Dennis was abducted, possibly by the rough looking man reported by the Key family. However, there's no concrete evidence to support this theory and no ransom demands or credible sightings followed. A less conventional theory suggests involvement of supernatural forces or unexplained phenomena. Given the

lack of evidence and the suddenness of Denis's disappearance. However, this remains within the realm of speculation without any supporting evidence. Fast forward to September nineteen eighty one, and we find ourselves once again in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This time it's a fifty eight year old woman, Thelma Pauline Melton, who would vanish under mysterious circumstances. Thelma, an experienced hiker familiar with the trails, was enjoying an afternoon

hike on the Deep Creek Trail with two friends. It was a route she had hiked many times before. As they strolled through the woods, Thelma walked slightly ahead of the others. She rounded a small bend in the trail, and in an instant she was gone. Her friends expected to see her just ahead on the path, but when they reached the bend, there was no sign of her. They called out her name, searched the immediate area, and

retrace their steps nothing. What makes her disappearance particularly strange is that there was no logical place for her to have gone. The terrain was not difficult, and the area was not known for dangerous wildlife. She had no history of wandering off or cognitive issues. A large scale search turned up nothing, no footprints, no clothing, no clues. It

was as if Thelma had stepped into another dimension. To add another layer of mystery, some reports claimed that in the days leading up to her disappearance, Thelma seemed uneasy, as though she knew something was wrong. Her husband was devastated, and despite exhaustive efforts, she was never found. Thelma Pauline Melton, affectionately known as Polly, was born on February twenty sixth,

nineteen twenty three. At fifty eight years old, Polly stood at five feet eleven inches and weighed between one hundred seventy to one hundred eighty pounds. She had auburn hair, brown eyes, and was a habitual wearer of eyeglasses. Known for her vibrant personality, Polly was an active member of her community, often volunteering at a center where she served meals to senior citizens. She was married to Bob Melton, her third husband, who was seventy eight at the time

of her disappearance. The couple had no children together, and Bob had two grown sons from a previous marriage. They lived primarily in Jacksonville, Florida, but for three months each fall, they would retreat to the Deep Creek Campground, nestled within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. On September twenty fifth, nineteen eighty one, Polly embarked on her routine hike along the Deep Creek Trail with two friends,

Red and Trula. This trail was familiar territory for Polly, as she had traversed at numerous times over the past two decades. The hike began around three pm, with Polly initially walking at a slower pace than usual, prompting lighthearted teasing from her companions. As they made their way back toward the campground, Polly unexpectedly quickened her pace, overtaking her friends. She rounded a bend in the trail and vanished from their sight. Assuming she had returned to the campground ahead

of them, Red and Trula continued at their own pace. However, upon arrival at the campground around four thirty PM, they discovered that po Polly was nowhere to be found. Her husband, Bob, who had remained at their airstream trailer, had not seen her since she left for the hike. Immediate concern prompted Polly's friends and other campers to retrace their steps along the trail, calling out her name and inquiring with other hikers,

but no one had seen her. After two hours of fruitless searching, they reported her disappearance to park rangers at approximately six PM. A large scale search operation ensued, involving park rangers, volunteers, bloodhounds, and helicopters. Despite the extensive efforts, no trace of Polly was ever found. Polly had a history of high blood pressure and nausea, for which she was on medication. Notably, she did not have her medications

with her at the time of her disappearance. Additionally, she was a heavy smoker, reportedly consuming up to two packs of Virginia Slim cigarettes daily. Despite these health concerns, Polly was an experienced hiker familiar with the local trails. Several peculiar factors have fueled various theories regarding Polly's disappearance. On the day she vanished, Polly deviated from her routine by deciding against volunteering at the Senior Center, an activity she

seldom missed. Additionally, her abrupt acceleration on the trail was uncharacteristic, especially considering her earlier slower pace. Bob Milton noticed that his Valiant prescription was missing after Polly's disappearance, raising questions about whether she had taken the medication with her. Polly was reportedly grieving her mother's recent death and had possibly experienced minor bouts of depression. Her minister speculated about a

potential affair, although no evidence supports this claim. A supervisor at the Senior Center noted that Polly made an unusual phone call the day before she disappeared, a departure from her typical behavior. Months after her disappearance, a check bearing Polly's name was reportedly cashed in Birmingham, Alabama. Investigators followed this lead, but it did not yield any conclude usive information.

Given the lack of evidence, several theories have emerged. Some speculate that Polly may have chosen to leave her life behind due to personal reasons such as marital stress or a desire for a fresh start. Considering her health issues, its possible Polly experienced a sudden medical crisis leading her off the trail. However, extensive searches yielded no evidence supporting this scenario. While there's no direct evidence of foul play, the suddenness of her disappearance has led some to consider

this possibility. The disappearance of Thelma Pauline Melton remains one of the Great Smoky Mountains National Parks most enduring mysteries. Despite exhaustive search efforts and numerous theories, no trace of her has ever been found, leaving her fate unknown and her case unsolved. On the crisp autumn morning of October eighth, nineteen seventy six, sixteen year old Teresa Trenny Lynn Gibson boarded a school bus with her classmates, unaware that she

would never return home. She was one of forty students from Bearden High School in Knoxville, Tennessee, participating in a school sponsored field trip to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The students were told they were going on a hike, but strangely, they weren't informed of their exact destination until

after they had already boarded the bus. The trip, organized by their horticulture teacher, Wayne Dunlap, was intended to be an educational outing, a chance for students to observe the changing colors of fall and learn about local plant life. It was supposed to be a fun, relaxing day in nature, but for Treny it would become a mystery that has puzzled investigators for nearly half a century. What happened to

Trenny Gibson on that mountain? Did she vanish by accident, or was she taken by someone who knew she would be there that day. Trenny wasn't the kind of teenager who ran away. She was a responsible, level headed girl with strong ties to her family. She had left two hundred dollars in her drawer at home and had an untouched one thousand dollars in her bank account, money that had she planned to disappear, she likely would have taken with her. Her parents, teachers, and friends all agreed Trenny

had no reason to run away. She had also dressed for a day hike, wearing a blue blouse, a blue and white sweater, a brown and orange plaid heavy jacket, and blue jeans. She had on her normal everyday jewelry, three rings, and carried a brown purse. Nothing about her behavior that morning suggested she was planning anything out of the ordinary. She was simply going on a hike with her classmates, and yet something happened, something that would lead

to her vanishing without a trace. The students began their trek near Klingman's Dome, the highest point in the Smoky Mountains. They hiked along the Forny Ridge trail, which would take them to Andrew's Bald, a clearing known for its breathtaking views. The students naturally split into groups, walking at different paces. Trinny was seen walking with a boy named Robert Simpson, a friend of her older brother. However, at some point Robert stopped to track a bear he had spotted near

the trail. Trenny continued on without him. Witnesses recall seeing her a short distance ahead, walking alone. She seemed to be following the trail, but then, in a moment that as haunted investigators ever since, she suddenly veered off the path. Multiple students later recalled seeing her stepping off to the right near a large rock overhang. But why had she seen something or someone? Was she simply stopping to rest?

Or was she lured away. When the group arrived at the parking lot near Klingman's Dome around three point thirty pm, they assumed she was already there, but she wasn't and she never arrived. As the hours passed and Trenney failed to appear, panic set in. Park rangers, volunteers, and tracking dogs were quickly deployed. The search went on for weeks, but no sign of Trenny was ever found. No clothing, no footprints, nothing. Oddly, tracking dogs did pick up a

scent trail. It led from the last place she was seen, followed the trail for a short distance, then veered toward the Appalachian Trail. The scent continued past Klingman's Dome observation tower and down through the dense woods to a roadside area about one point six miles away, and then nothing. The scent disappeared. At that location, searchers found a partially opened can of beer and cigarette butts. These items seemed out of place for a group of high school students

on a school trip. It was as if someone had been waiting there for her. Had Trenny been abducted. If so, was it someone she knew. Over the years, several theories have emerged, each more unsettling than the last. One possibility is that Trenny got lost in the wilderness. The Smoky Mountains are vast and it's easy for someone unfamiliar with the terrain to become disoriented. However, there are problems with

this theory. For one, she was an experienced hiker. Two, had she simply wandered off, searchers should have found some trace of her clothing, shoes, or even animal activity around a possible body, but they found nothing. The scent trail leading to the roadside, coupled with the beer can and cigarette Butts, suggests the possibility that Trenny was taken by

someone who had been waiting there. But how would they have known she would be on that trail at that exact time, unless, of course, they were already among the group. A few disturbing details emerged after her disappearance. A comb one that Trenny always carried in her right hip pocket, was later seen on the dashboard of Robert Simpson's car. Even more chilling, Robert reportedly made some bizarre and unsettling

comments after Trenny vanished. He allegedly told Trenny's sister that if Kelvin Bowman, a young man with a history of threatening Trenny, had taken her, she was probably dead. He also made an offhand remark about how she could have run off with a horny hitchhiker. Was Robert just making careless statements or did he know something more. Kelvin Bowman was another figure of concern. Months before Trenny's disappearance, Kelvin had attempted to break into the Gibson home and was

shot in the foot by Trenny's mother. After serving a six month sentence, Kelvin reportedly threatened to get revenge on Trenny. Some students claim to have seen a car following the school bus that day, possibly Kelvin's. However, the teacher and principal stated that no cars were trailing them. Officially, Kelvin was in school that day, but was he or did he find a way to follow her. Despite extensive searches and investigations, no trace of Trenny Gibson has ever been found.

Her disappearance remains one of the most perplexing cases in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. To this day, her family continues to wonder what happened to their daughter, sister, and friend. Did she make a wrong turn that led to a tragic accident, or was she taken by someone who had planned it all along? The Smoky Mountains hold their secrets well, and Trenny Gibson's fate remains one of them.

If you have any information about the disappearance of Trenny Gibson, please contact the authorities, and remember, sometimes the most unsettling mysteries are the ones that leave no trace at all. For our final case. In this episode, we travel back to nineteen twenty eight to one of the most baffling disappearances in Grand Canyon National Park. Bessie and Glenn Hyde, a newlywed couple, were adventurous souls on a honeymoon unlike

any other. Their goal to raft down the entire length of the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon, and endeavor that at the time was considered extremely dangerous. Grand Canyon National Park, located in northwestern Arizona, is one of the

most iconic natural landmarks in the United States. Established as a National park in nineteen nineteen, it encompasses over one point two million acres and features the awe inspiring Grand Canyon, a chasm approximately two hundred seventy seven miles long, up

to eighteen miles wide and averaging a mile deep. In twenty twenty four, the National Park Service reported a record three hundred thirty one point nine million recreational visits across all national parks, with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park being the most visited, followed by parks like the Grand Canyon. Grand Canyon National Park has been noted for its number

of missing persons and fatalities. Between twenty eighteen and February twenty twenty three, at least fifty six individuals were reported missing in the park, with six confirmed deaths during that period. In twenty twenty four, the park experienced a series of incidents leading to multiple fatalities. August twenty twenty four, a sixty year old solo backpacker from North Carolina was found deceased near the Thunder River Trail. This marked the fourteenth

d death in the park for that year. September twenty twenty four, two separate boating incidents resulted in fatalities. A fifty nine year old man was found dead during a non commercial trip along the Colorado River, and a seventy one year old man was discovered near river miles sixty three point five after being reported missing from the Lower

Nanco Wheep Camp. These incidents brought the total number of deaths in the park to sixteen for the year, surpassing the average annual fatalities, which typically range between ten to fifteen. It's important to note that while these statistics provide insight into recent incidents, comprehensive historical data detailing the total number of individuals who have gone missing, been found deceased or alive, or remain unaccounted for. Since the park's establishment is not

readily available. The park's vast and rugged terrain, combined with environmental factors, contributes to the challenges in both tracking and conducting search and rescue operations. Stay tuned for mor sasquat Chyatta see will be right back after these messages. Glenn was an experienced outdoorsman, but Bessie was new to the adventure lifestyle. Despite this, they were determined to make history. They set off on their journey in October of that year,

documenting their experience along the way. They were last seen on November eighteenth, when they stopped at the home of an experienced river guide, Emery Colb. He later recalled that Bessie seemed uneasy and hinted that she wanted to leave the expedition. Days later, their wooden boat was discovered floating in the river, completely intact, with all their supplies still on board, but Bessie and Glenn were nowhere to be found.

No bodies, no signs of struggle, no clues. It was as if they had simply stepped off the boat and disappeared into the air. Over the years, theories about their fate have ranged from drowning to foul play, that Glenn may have been controlling and abusive, and that Bessie killed him before disappearing into the wild. Others think they may have fallen victim to a hidden danger in the canyon, something unknown that the wilderness keeps secret, but to this day,

no definitive answers have surfaced. Glenn Rowlin Hyde born on December ninth, eighteen ninety eight was a farmer from Twin Falls, Idaho. He had a passion for adventure and had previously navigated the salmon and snake rivers in Idaho. Bessie Louise Haley born on December twenty ninth, nineteen oh five, hailed from Parkersburg, West Virginia. Before meeting Glenn, Bessie had been married but divorced on April ninth, nineteen twenty eight, just a day

before marrying Glenn. The couple met in nineteen twenty seven on a passenger ship traveling to Los Angeles and quickly formed a bond that led to their marriage. For their honeymoon, Glenn and Bessie decided to embark on a daring adventure navigating the treacherous rapids of the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. Glenn aimed to set a new speed record for traversing the Grand Canyon, and Bessie aspired to become

the first woman to accomplish this feat. In October nineteen twenty eight, they traveled to Green River, Utah, where Glenn constructed a twenty foot wooden sweep scal, a type of flat bottom boat commonly used by river runners of that era. They launched their journey on October twentieth, nineteen twenty eight, planning to navigate the Green and Colorado Rivers down to Needles, California.

As they progressed, the hides interacted with several individuals. On November sixteenth, nineteen twenty eight, they hiked out of the canyon via the Bright Angel Trail to resupply. At the South Rim, they met Emery Colb, a renowned photographer and

river guide, who took their photograph. Colb later recounted that Bessie seemed apprehensive about continuing the journey, hinting at her desire to end the trip, despite Colb's concerns and offers for them to stay long longer Glenn was determined to proceed. They were last seen on November eighteenth, nineteen twenty eight, as they departed down river below Hermit Rapid. When the Hides failed to arrive at their intended destination, a search

was initiated. On December nineteenth, nineteen twenty eight, a search plane spotted their scow adrift around river mile two hundred thirty seven. The boat was upright and fully intact, with all supplies, including Bessie's diary and their camera still secured. The last photo on the camera was taken near river mile one hundred sixty five, likely around November twenty seventh. Bessie's diary indicated they had cleared two hundred thirty one mile Rapid, suggesting they had made it as far as

Diamond Creek. Despite extensive search efforts, no trace of the couple was ever found. The mysterious disappearance of the Hides has led to numerous theories. Given the rivers, challenging rapids, and their lack of life jackets, it's plausible they were ejected from the boat and drowned. Some speculate that Emery Colb, being one of the last to see them, alive might have been involved. In nineteen seventy six, skeletal remains with

a bullet in the skull were found on Colb's property. However, forensic analysis later determined the skeleton belonged to a man no older than twenty two who died no earlier than nineteen seventy two, ruling out Glenn Hyde. In nineteen seventy one, a woman on a commercial Grand Canyon rafting trip claimed she was Bessie Hyde and had killed Glenn in self defense.

She later recanted and no evidence supported her claim. Additionally, after the death of riverguide Georgie Clark in nineteen ninety two, documents found among her possessions led to speculation she was Bessie Hyde living under an alias. However, Clark's well documented early life contradicts this theory. The tale of Glenn and Bessie Hyde remains one of the Grand Canyons enduring mysteries. Their story has been featured in various media, including a

nineteen eighty seven episode of Unsolved Mysteries. Despite numerous investigations and theories, their fate remains unknown, capturing the imagination of adventurers and historians alike. The Wilderness holds secrets that often defy understanding. The cases of Dennis Martin, Thelma Pauline Melton, Trenny Lynn Gibson, and Bessie and Glenn Hyde are just a few among the many disappearances that have left families

searching for answers and investigators scratching their heads. What makes these cases even more haunting is the complete lack of physical evidence. No remains, no belongings, no definitive clues, just vanished without a trace. Are these simply tragic accidents or is there something more? Could it be that the deep forests, remote mountains, and roaring rivers of our national parks hide

something we have yet to comprehend. Some believe these parks are home to forces beyond our understanding, whether supernatural, cryptid or human. As we continue this journey, we will explore even more cases that push the boundaries of logic and understanding. In the next episode, we'll unravel more unsettling disappearances, explore eerie patterns, and delve into the chilling similarities between cases.

The deeper we go, the stranger the stories become. In the meantime, stay curious, stay vigilant, and keep following the National Park Nightmare Series for more of these mysterious cases.