Account
Dec 12, 2008
Apr 29, 2024
Delmar
Sample
72
53
68 inches
180 lbs
White / Caucasian
Male
On March 4, 2005, Delmar "Del" Wayne Sample, a 53-year-old man from Onalaska, Washington, was last seen. He was spotted at approximately 11:00 a.m. at a gas station near Interstate 5 and Harrison in Centralia, Washington. Mr. Sample, a pharmacist at a Walmart in Chehalis, had intended to spend a long weekend in the wilderness. He had told friends and colleagues that he might travel to Tillamook, Oregon. However, his family noted that he often changed his travel plans on short notice. This spontaneous nature, coupled with his love for the outdoors, was a known part of his personality. A few days later, concern grew when Delmar Sample did not return to work as scheduled on March 7. His absence was highly uncharacteristic, as he had a 15-year record of perfect attendance. This prompted his coworkers to report him missing. The investigation into his whereabouts began, and soon his red and white 1992 Ford Ranger pickup truck was located. The vehicle was found locked and abandoned at a roadside pullout on South Shore Road near Lake Quinault in Quinault, Washington, a considerable distance from his stated destination in Oregon. Inside the truck were his sleeping bag and food, but there were no signs of foul play. A recently purchased 24-inch red Mt. Fury Roadmaster mountain bike, which he was believed to have had with him, was missing. Despite the discovery of his truck, extensive searches of the rugged area by ground crews, dogs, and helicopters yielded no trace of Mr. Sample or his bicycle. The years that have followed have not brought any definitive answers in the disappearance of Delmar Sample. The Lewis County Sheriff's Office has been the lead investigating agency, working in conjunction with the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office. Investigators have explored various avenues, including the possibility of a link to serial killer Israel Keyes, who was active in the region, but the FBI ultimately found a connection to be highly unlikely. Friends and family have consistently stated that he was not depressed and had no reason to voluntarily disappear. His bank accounts have remained untouched, and the lack of any new evidence has left his case cold. The disappearance of Delmar Sample remains a perplexing mystery for law enforcement and a source of enduring pain for his loved ones, who continue to hope for answers.
Mar 04, 2005
Centralia
Washington
Lewis County
No
6840
Lewis County Sheriff's Office
Chehalis
Washington
Lewis County
98532
345 West Main Street, Washington
3607489286
County
Law Enforcement
05C2774
Lewis County Sheriff's Office
5725
Gray or Partially Gray
Hazel
Hazel
05/30/2026
