Case Details
- Photo URLs:
-
- Missing Since:
- Missing Since 07/24/2015
- Missing From:
- Missing From Jupiter, Florida
- Classification:
- Classification Lost/Injured Missing
- Gender:
- Male
- Race:
- Race White
- Date of Birth:
- Date of Birth 12/01/2000 (24)
- Age:
- Age 14 years old
- Height and Weight:
- Height and Weight 5’2, 115 pounds
- Clothing/Jewelry Description:
- Clothing/Jewelry Description A long-sleeved black shirt, camouflage-print board shorts, and a gold chain necklace with a cross.
- Distinguishing Characteristics:
- Distinguishing Characteristics Caucasian male. Blond hair, green eyes. Austin has a birthmark on his upper arm.
- Details of Disappearance:
- On July 24, 2015, Austin and his friend Perry went on a fishing trip in Austin’s boat. Both boys were experienced boaters. They texted their parents at 11:00 a.m. and bought gas at 1:30 p.m. Their last message said they were in trouble. A storm hit them a few hours later.
They never came home. Their parents reported them missing at 5:00 p.m., and a search began. Their boat was spotted several times, eventually found in March 2017 near Bermuda. The boat’s battery was off, the key was in the “off” position, and Austin’s phone and fishing gear were on board, but some items were missing. The phone was damaged, and investigators couldn’t get any information from it.
Florida investigated Austin’s family for possible neglect, focusing on his stepfather. Although there was enough evidence to charge him, no charges were filed. Perry’s mother sued Austin’s family for wrongful death, claiming their negligence caused Perry’s death.
Austin and Perry’s bodies were never found, but they are presumed to have died at sea. The families, once friends, became estranged after the boys’ disappearance.
- Agency:
- Tequesta Police Department 561-768-0500
- Source Links:
This person was missing Missing Since 07/24/2015