In 1984, This 14-Year-Old Boy Took His Dog For A Walk In The Woods: His Dog Returned Home, But He Was Never Seen Or Heard From Again

Colorado Bureau of Investigation - pictured above is Christopher
Colorado Bureau of Investigation - pictured above is Christopher

In July 1984, Christopher Harvey and his family traveled to stay at their summer trailer home.

The Harveys typically resided in Andrews, Texas. But, during the warmer months, they frequented their trailer in Hinsdale County, Colorado– located at the edge of San Juan National Forest and about 17 miles away from Pagosa Springs.

And on the afternoon of July 11 that year, Christopher– who was 14-years-old at the time– decided to visit one of his friends who lived down the road at about 3:00 p.m.

While hanging out, the two teenage boys reportedly discussed a band camp that Christopher had been planning to attend later that summer. Then, once they finished catching up, Christopher headed back to his family’s trailer to pick up his dog.

The 14-year-old planned to take his pet on a walk through the woods. Following their departure, though, the dog returned back to the trailer shortly after. Christopher never returned home from the walk.

An official search for the teenage boy was not launched until the following day, July 12, at about 12:00 p.m.

At first, authorities believed that Christopher might have gotten lost in the woods while hiking. Investigators stated that the 14-year-old was actually a highly skilled backpacker; however, he did not have any of the necessary supplies that were needed for a long stay in the forest.

So, both state and local authorities conducted an extensive search of the surrounding areas. They also received aid from local community members who volunteered to help with the search efforts. Unfortunately, though, no evidence of Christopher was ever uncovered.

Then, six weeks after Christopher disappeared, a teenage boy was discovered semi-conscious near Gypsum, Colorado, on a remote road. The boy reportedly could not say who he was, and he had not been carrying any identification.

Colorado Bureau of Investigation – pictured above is Christopher

In turn, he was transported to the hospital and ultimately fell into a coma. Investigators determined that the teen boy had been badly beaten and suffered extensive brain damage.

The boy also had severe facial injuries. And due to this, as well as the timeline of the discovery, Christopher’s parents eventually identified the teen boy as their son.

Days later, though, the Harveys started to doubt their identification. So, a dental records comparison was conducted, and it was confirmed that the injured teen boy was not Christopher; instead, it had been 18-year-old Scott Yoos, who disappeared while hitchhiking across the U.S.

And tragically, Christopher’s case has remained unsolved to this day. Foul play is suspected, but there is a lack of evidence regarding his disappearance.

At the time Christopher vanished, he was five foot eleven, weighed about 135 pounds, and had light brown hair and hazel eyes. The 14-year-old had moles on his upper right chest, as well as both arms, and went by the nickname “Chris.”

He was last seen wearing blue jeans, a long-sleeve brown plaid shirt, a leather belt with “Chris” inscribed on the buckle, and red Nike hiking shoes. Christopher would be 53-years-old today.

If you have any information regarding Christopher’s disappearance or whereabouts, you are urged to contact the Hinsdale County Sheriff’s Office at (970) 944-2291.

If true crime defines your free time, this is for you: join Chip Chick’s True Crime Tribe

In 1975, These 2 Roommates Disappeared From A State-Run Care Facility In New Jersey, And Although It Is Believed That The Boys Wandered Off Into The Woods, No Trace Of Them Has Ever Been Found

How Former President Theodore Roosevelt Inspired The Invention Of The Classic Brown Teddy Bear

She’s Been Seeing A Guy For A Couple Of Months Now, But After She Stayed Over At His House And Ate One Of His Protein Bars, He Became Super Angry With Her

Pepperoni Roses Are A Very Romantic And Delicious Thing To Make For The Person That You Love

A Guy Asked Her Out To A Very Upscale Wine Bar, But When The Check Came, He Expected Her To Pay For Half, And It Really Irritated Her

7 Little Black Dresses You Can Still Buy On Amazon In Time For Valentine’s Day That Will Flatter Every Body

Sign up for Chip Chick’s newsletter and get stories like this delivered to your inbox.

Katharina Buczek graduated from Stony Brook University with a degree in Journalism and a minor in Digital Arts. Specializing ... More about Katharina Buczek

More About: