A Journey Begins: From Maine to Kauai

On February 22, 2018, 24-year-old Alexander McLaren Gumm departed from his hometown of North Berwick, Maine, embarking on a journey that would captivate and perplex those who knew him. Having recently taken a vow of silence and shaved his head, Alex informed his parents of his intention to seek enlightenment in Kauai, Hawaii. His parents, Sally McLaren and Ben Gumm, last saw him at a bus depot in Dover, New Hampshire, as he set off on his quest.

A Brief Stay at the Kauai Beach House Hostel

Upon arrival in Kauai, Alex checked into the Kauai Beach House Hostel in Kapaʻa on February 22. He stayed for two nights, during which he made calls to two taxi companies on February 22 and 23. However, neither company has records of picking him up. His last known call was placed from the hostel on February 24, after which he vanished without a trace . ...Read More