18 Disappearances That Sparked Wild Conspiracy Theories
From missing celebrities to vanished planes, these disappearances fueled speculation and conspiracy theories that refuse to die.
- Chris Graciano
- 5 min read
Some disappearances are so strange that simple explanations never satisfy the public. When answers are limited, conspiracy theories often take the center stage. Here are 18 cases of people and events that disappeared, leaving behind mysteries still debated today.
1. 1. Amelia Earhart
Luciaroblego on Wikimedia Commons
The trailblazing aviator vanished in 1937 over the Pacific Ocean during her attempt to fly around the world. While most assume she crashed into the sea, others believe she was captured by the Japanese or lived out her life under a new identity.
2. 2. D.B. Cooper
Lenny Flank on Flickr
In 1971, a man hijacked a plane, demanded a ransom, and parachuted into the night sky, never to be seen again. Despite decades of investigation, his identity and fate remain unknown. Conspiracy theories range from survival with a new life to death upon landing.
3. 3. Jimmy Hoffa
Garam on Wikimedia Commons
The infamous union leader disappeared in 1975 after being seen outside a Detroit restaurant. His body was never found, leading to endless speculation about mafia involvement. Some theories suggest he was buried under stadiums or highways.
4. 4. Flight MH370
Ohconfucius on Wikimedia Commons
Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 vanished in 2014 with 239 people on board. Only scattered debris has been discovered, fueling speculation about government cover-ups or even alien abduction. The complete disappearance of such a massive aircraft remains baffling.
5. 5. The Lost Colony of Roanoke
Sarah Stierch on Wikimedia Commons
In 1590, settlers of the Roanoke Colony vanished without a trace, leaving only the word “CROATOAN” carved into a tree. Theories include assimilation with Native tribes, starvation, or supernatural forces. The mystery endures as one of America’s oldest unsolved disappearances.
6. 6. Brandon Swanson
Ali Hajian on Unsplash
In 2008, Swanson called his parents after his car got stuck in a ditch in Minnesota. While on the phone, he suddenly shouted “Oh, s***!” and the line went dead. Despite extensive searches, no trace of him has ever been found, prompting theories from foul play to abduction.
7. 7. Flight 19
Merikanto on Wikimedia Commons
A squadron of U.S. Navy bombers disappeared over the Bermuda Triangle in 1945 during a training flight. Radio transmissions suggested the pilots were disoriented before contact was lost. Their disappearance helped cement the Triangle’s eerie reputation.
8. 8. Natalee Holloway
Mary Thompson on Wikimedia Commons
The American teenager vanished in Aruba in 2005 during a graduation trip. Despite the suspects and international media coverage, her body was never located. Theories range from human trafficking to cover-ups by local authorities.
9. 9. Frederick Valentich
Wikimedia Commons
In 1978, the Australian pilot reported seeing a strange object following his plane before radio contact was lost. His aircraft vanished without a trace, and no wreckage was ever found. Many believe he encountered a UFO.
10. 10. Michael Rockefeller
AK Rockefeller on Flickr
The son of New York Governor Nelson Rockefeller disappeared in New Guinea in 1961. Official accounts suggest he drowned, but rumors claim he was killed or even absorbed by a remote tribe. His fate has never been proven.
11. 11. Madeleine McCann
Gilberto A. Viciedo on Flickr
The three-year-old disappeared from a Portuguese resort in 2007, sparking global attention. While police investigations continue, conspiracy theories suggest abduction by traffickers or involvement of powerful figures. The case remains one of the world’s most publicized mysteries.
12. 12. The Sodder Children
Andres Siimon on Unsplash
On Christmas Eve 1945, five of the Sodder children vanished after a fire consumed their West Virginia home. No remains were ever recovered, leading many to believe they were kidnapped. Theories of arson and cover-ups still swirl around the case.
13. 13. Harold Holt
NAA on Wikimedia Commons
Australia’s prime minister disappeared in 1967 while swimming at a beach. Though declared drowned, conspiracy theories claim he was kidnapped by a submarine or defected to China. His body was never recovered.
14. 14. Etan Patz
Heute
The six-year-old boy disappeared in New York City in 1979, becoming one of the first faces on milk cartons. His case fueled fears of child abductions nationwide. Even after arrests, conspiracy theories linger about organized rings.
15. 15. Dorothy Arnold
Wikimedia Commons
A wealthy socialite from New York, Dorothy Arnold vanished in 1910 after a shopping trip. Despite her prominence, no trace of her was ever found. Rumors ranged from a secret elopement to foul play by her family.
16. 16. Glenn Miller
Piano Piano! on Flickr
The famous bandleader disappeared in 1944 while flying to entertain U.S. troops. His plane was never located, sparking theories about enemy fire, sabotage, or even secret missions. His music lives on while the mystery endures.
17. 17. Ray Gricar
cottonbro studio on Pexels
A Pennsylvania district attorney vanished in 2005, leaving his car abandoned by a river. His laptop was later found destroyed, deepening suspicions of foul play. Some believe he staged his disappearance to start a new life.
18. 18. The Flannan Isles Lighthouse Keepers
Chris Downer on Wikimedia Commons
In 1900, three lighthouse keepers on a remote Scottish island disappeared without explanation. Their logbook entries suggested something unusual before they vanished. Theories range from giant waves to supernatural abductions.