John Ryan

Case Information:

John Ryan was 75 years old when he disappeared from Laguna Niguel, California, on September 12, 2025. Originally from Salt Lake City, Utah, the retired master carpenter and builder had been living in Orange County for approximately four and a half years prior to his vanishing.

His disappearance was noted by his wife, Julie, after she returned from an outing to find he had left his residence without his wallet, phone, or signature watch. Investigators have since utilized various specialized search tactics but have yet to determine his current whereabouts.

Case Details:

John was last observed on neighborhood surveillance footage around 2:00 p.m. on the day he went missing. Despite being in good physical condition, his family noted that he had recently appeared withdrawn and had previously struggled with his mental health.

A search using bloodhounds successfully tracked his scent to the end of his street before the trail was lost. Authorities have not confirmed if foul play is a factor, though his family continues to seek any information that might explain how he seemingly vanished.

Timeline of Events:

On the morning of September 12, 2025, John enjoyed breakfast with his son and helped his wife with groceries before she departed for the afternoon. He was later captured on a Ring camera walking through his neighborhood at approximately 2:00 p.m..

When his wife returned later that day and found his essential items left behind, she contacted the authorities to report him missing. By the following morning, his children had flown in from Utah to assist with a rapidly expanding search effort.

Investigation:

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department led an extensive canvassing of the area using helicopters, drones, and bloodhound units. Search and rescue teams even rappelled into remote canyon areas near his home to ensure no stone was left unturned.

The California Department of Justice has listed him as a missing person, and a Silver Alert was issued shortly after he vanished. Sergeant Gerard McCann confirmed that while several iterations of search efforts have occurred, the investigation remains active.

Community Response:

The local community in Laguna Niguel has shown significant support for the family, who mostly reside out of state. Family members expressed that the care shown by neighbors has provided some solace during a situation for which no one can prepare.

Awareness efforts have been amplified through regional news outlets and social media platforms. The family continues to ask for the public’s vigilance in hopes that a new lead will eventually bring them peace.

Family Statements:

Julie Ryan described her husband of 51 years as a kind, sweet man with a fun personality who loved taking care of others. His son, Gavin, emphasized that his father had a “huge heart” and was a talented craftsman who deeply loved his work.

The family shared that John had been struggling with the transition into retirement and had recently become more withdrawn. They simply wish to reach out to him and provide the comfort and support he may have been lacking.

Physical Appearance:

John is described as being 6’0” tall and weighing approximately 180 lbs. At the time of his disappearance, he was dressed in a white T-shirt, dark shorts, white socks, and navy-colored shoes.

Notably, he left behind his knee brace and the specific pair of shoes he typically used for his frequent long walks. His family maintains that despite his age, he remained in very good physical health.

Current Status:

The search for John Ryan continues as he remains listed as a missing person with the California Department of Justice. Forensic evidence and search efforts have yet to yield a definitive location or explanation for his disappearance.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department continues to keep the case open and encourages anyone with potential sightings to come forward. His family remains in a state of waiting, hoping for any breakthrough that might lead him home.

Contact Information:

Anyone with information regarding the disappearance of John Ryan is urged to contact the Orange County Sheriff’s Department at 714-647-7000. Information can also be provided to local law enforcement agencies through the California Silver Alert system.

---