Eric Akridge
Eric Paul Akridge was 50 years old when he disappeared from Keystone Heights, Florida on May 3, 2021. He had spent the morning working on his car in Melrose before borrowing his parents’ vehicle and driving to Palatka for parts.
That afternoon, he left two voicemails for his sisters saying he believed people were after him. His tone was anxious, and he warned that something might happen to him.
At 5:10 p.m., surveillance footage captured him dropping off his parents’ car at his sister’s home. His face was covered, and he left the property on foot.
After that moment, he vanished without contacting anyone again. His family searched roads, woods, lakes, and dumpsters for days but found no trace.
In the days before he disappeared, Eric told his sisters he feared a group of people intended to harm him. He didn’t name anyone and said he was trying to figure out who they were.
Detectives say Eric struggled with narcotic addiction but stayed close to his family. His sudden silence was completely out of character.
Investigators now believe he was picked up after leaving his sister’s home and met with foul play. They suspect a robbery involving people connected to his drug use.
Eric had active warrants at the time, but authorities classify him as a missing person, not a fugitive. His case remains open with a $17,000 reward for information.
His family continues to hope for answers and urges anyone with firsthand knowledge to come forward. Detectives say their goal is to bring him home and pursue justice.
If you know anything about the disappearance of Eric Paul Akridge, contact Det. Cassani at the Clay County Sheriff’s Office at 904‑264‑6512
