The New Jersey office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is observing National Missing Children's Day on Thursday, May 25, by focusing on the disappearance of Mark Himebaugh, a boy from Cape May County who has been missing for over 26 years.

Himebaugh left his Del Haven home to check out a nearby marsh fire. He was never seen again and authorities are still searching for answers.

After several days of unsuccessful searches — by foot, boat and plane — in the days following Nov. 25, 1991, investigators came to the realization they were dealing with an abduction.

According to  a 2016 posting by Townsquare Media, Mark Himebaugh, 11, was reportedly last seen at Cape May County Park-South. His mother was driving a neighbor to pick up their car, and in that half-hour trip, Mark vanished. The only trace of evidence that was found was the boy’s left shoe, not far from his home.

“Someone convinced Mark to get into a vehicle, either in the park or right outside the park, without any type of struggle that drew attention to him,” said McHale, who describes the case as dumbfounding because many residents of the Del Haven neighborhood were outdoors to watch firefighters take on the marsh fire.

To commemorate National Missing Children’s Day, the FBI Newark Field Office is remembering Mark Himebaugh.

If you have any information regarding Mark or a missing child, contact FBI Newark at 973-792-3000, your local police department, or call 9-1-1. Tips may also be submitted to the FBI through tips.fbi.gov.

In 1983, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed May 25 as National Missing Children’s Day. Each year, the Department of Justice (DOJ) commemorates Missing Children’s Day with a ceremony honoring the heroic and exemplary efforts of agencies, organizations, and individuals to protect children.

Source: FBI/Townsquare Media

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