Case Details
- Photo URLs:
-
- Missing Since:
- Missing Since 07/29/1999
- Missing From:
- Missing From Naples, Florida
- Classification:
- Classification Endangered Missing
- Gender:
- Male
- Race:
- Race White
- Date of Birth:
- Date of Birth 03/06/1979 (45)
- Age:
- Age 20 years old
- Height and Weight:
- Height and Weight 5’10, 160 pounds
- Clothing/Jewelry Description:
- Clothing/Jewelry Description A short-sleeved brown plaid cotton shirt, brown shorts and Birkenstock shoes.
- Distinguishing Characteristics:
- Distinguishing Characteristics Caucasian male. Brown hair, green eyes. Eppler has two tattoos on his right shoulder, and he may have a tattoo on his back. Eppler has a scar near his right eye. He may have long hair and a beard.
- Details of Disappearance:
- On July 29, 1999, David Eppler disappeared from Naples, Florida. He last saw his mom around 2:00 p.m. that day, borrowing money for gas before saying he was going to see his girlfriend and then to work. He never showed up at either place, and never returned home. He left a note saying he was “Gone to find my river and myself.”
His car, a silver 1988 Toyota Camry, was found abandoned in the Everglades National Park, a dangerous, swampy area three hours from his home. A park receipt showed he’d been there the day before he disappeared. Camping gear, clothes, food, and journals were in the car, but one of his shirts was found three miles down a trail. He was also missing a pair of hiking boots and his favorite navy blue hat with a white star.
Eppler was a 21-year-old zoology student who loved animals and the outdoors. He volunteered with animals and had traveled before. Despite the extensive search, his disappearance remains a mystery.
- Agency:
- Collier County Sheriff’s Department 239-252-9300
- Source Links:
This person was missing Missing Since 07/29/1999