Family Believes Missing OBX Man, with Terminal Illness, Died by Suicide

A family from Arkansas is grappling with the disappearance of their son, who they believe may have taken his own life due to a terminal illness. Chris Palmer, 39, was last seen along the picturesque Outer Banks of North Carolina. His father, Bren Palmer, suspects that his son’s deteriorating health contributed to his decision.

Timeline of Events

Chris Palmer was reported missing on January 16. His vehicle was discovered abandoned on January 12 at the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Inside the truck, rangers found a blue and white kayak, but it was not located at the scene.

Family Insights

• Bren Palmer shared through social media that his son had been facing a terminal illness.
• According to Bren, Chris valued his independence and loved exploring the outdoors.
• He expressed that the upcoming treatments would have significantly hindered Chris’s freedom.

The father believes that these factors may have driven his son to perish in the ocean. Personal items belonging to Chris have washed ashore, reinforcing the family’s belief that he may have died at sea.

Search Efforts Concluded

In light of the circumstances, the Palmer family has requested that all active search efforts be halted. They are confronting a painful reality as they process their loss. The community continues to rally around them during this difficult time.

The case raises awareness about the struggles faced by individuals battling terminal illnesses and the impact these challenges can have on mental health.