Locations Unknown

March 17th, 2012: a 24-year-old leaves a hotel in Cherokee, North Carolina, before dawn and drives into Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Hours later, his Ford Escape is found with his wallet, keys, cash, and survival gear still inside. A short note says, “Don’t follow me.” Search teams, helicopters, K-9 units, and volunteers scour the Appalachian Trail corridor, steep drainages, and dense off-trail terrain, but find nothing. No clothing, no gear, no trace. Join us this week as we investigate the baffling disappearance of Derek Joseph Lueking.Learn more about Locations Unknown: https://linktr.ee/LocationsUnknownCheck out our other shows on the Unknown Media Network:Crime Off The GridOff The TrailsHike N' Seek Who Runs This ParkRelishNew Patreon Shoutouts: Gwen PickloGet 35% of all orders at The Hiker's Cache, the official store of Locations Unknown, by becoming a member on Patreon!Want to help the show out and get even more Locations Unknown content! For as little as $5 a month, you can become a Patron of Locations Unknown and get access to our episodes early, special members only episode, free swag, swag contests, and discounts to our Locations Unknown Store! Become a Patron of the Locations Unknown Podcast by visiting our Patreon page. (https://www.patreon.com/locationsunknown) All our Patreon only content (Audio & Video) can now be accessed via Spotify. (Active subscription to our Patreon channel is required.) -- Locations Unknown Subscriber Only Show | Podcast on Spotify Want to call into the show and leave us a message? Now you can! Call 208-391-6913 and leave Locations Unknown a voice message and we may air it on a future message! View live recordings of the show on our YouTube channel: Locations Unknown - YouTubeView Epispode Sources (Coming Soon)Presented by Unknown Media Group.Hosts:Mike Van de Bogert Joe EratoIntro/Outro “Cornfield Chase” – Cinematic Waves & Rafael Krux (licensed) → https://soundcloud.com/cinematicwav3s/cornfield-chaseBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/locations-unknown--6183838/support.

November 12th, 2012, a seasoned hiker and devoted runner fails to show up for work after a solo trip to Virginia’s Confederate Breastworks Trail. His car is discovered days later, packed with food and supplies, but no sign of him. Despite a massive five-day search across rugged, fog-shrouded ridges and icy hollows, not a single trace is found. What happened on that cold, windswept mountain? Join us this week as we investigate the mysterious disappearance of Robert “Bobby” Fitzgerald in George Washington National Forest.Learn more about Locations Unknown: https://linktr.ee/LocationsUnknownCheck out our other shows on the Unknown Media Network:Crime Off The GridOff The Trails Who Runs This ParkNew Patreon Shoutouts: Ashley Raynor, Kharris, Kara Knutson, Rhianna Thomasson, Greg, Gillian Lazzarini, Grant ritter, Jill Sentz, Tina Gatewood, Katie Jo Williams, Renee vorac, Richard Strack, Hoyt Maciain, Susan H Soto.Get 35% of all orders at The Hiker's Cache, the official store of Locations Unknown, by becoming a member on Patreon!Want to help the show out and get even more Locations Unknown content! For as little as $5 a month, you can become a Patron of Locations Unknown and get access to our episodes early, special members only episode, free swag, swag contests, and discounts to our Locations Unknown Store! Become a Patron of the Locations Unknown Podcast by visiting our Patreon page. (https://www.patreon.com/locationsunknown) All our Patreon only content (Audio & Video) can now be accessed via Spotify. (Active subscription to our Patreon channel is required.) -- Locations Unknown Subscriber Only Show | Podcast on Spotify Want to call into the show and leave us a message? Now you can! Call 208-391-6913 and leave Locations Unknown a voice message and we may air it on a future message! View live recordings of the show on our YouTube channel: Locations Unknown - YouTubeView Episode Sources Presented by Unknown Media Group.Hosts: Mike Van de Bogert Joe EratoIntro/Outro “Cornfield Chase” – Cinematic Waves & Rafael Krux (licensed) → https://soundcloud.com/cinematicwav3s/cornfield-chaseBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/locations-unknown--6183838/support.

With all the buzz surrounding the Gwen Hasselquist case and the upcoming Crime Junkie episode (releasing October 27, 2025), we thought it was the perfect time to re-release our original four-part series on Gwen’s story, first published in 2021. For Gwen’s family, friends, and everyone who cared deeply for her, we’re truly grateful her case is finally receiving the attention it deserves.That said, we need to get something off our chests.We first discovered Gwen’s case in September 2021, when one of our co-hosts happened to meet a lawyer in Chicago who was quietly investigating it on his own time. What he shared shocked us, there was no coverage anywhere. No news articles, no Reddit threads, no social media discussions. Gwen’s story had been completely forgotten.We decided to change that.Over the following years, we poured countless hours into investigating this case, speaking with dozens of people close to Gwen (many of whom still haven’t given permission for their accounts to be made public), filing FOIA requests, and combing through hundreds of pages of messages and correspondence. The result was over six hours of in-depth reporting, released across four episodes between November 2021 and August 2022. To this day, people continue to reach out to us about Gwen’s story.Unfortunately, Crime Junkie has now released an episode claiming they “discovered” and “investigated” the case. That is simply not true. Their work appears to have been directly lifted from our years of research and a Reddit (post), without any acknowledgment or attempt to contact us. Sadly, this behavior is not new for Crime Junkie, which has previously faced plagiarism accusations from several other creators, including On the Case with Paula Zahn, The Trail Went Cold, Trace Evidence, Once Upon a Crime, and Dealing Justice.What’s most disappointing is that we genuinely believe the hosts of Crime Junkie share our ultimate goal, to give Gwen’s story the attention it deserves. We’re not backed by a mega corporation with an army of researchers; we’re an independent show run by two guys with full-time jobs and families who simply love telling meaningful stories.At the end of the day, if their episode helps spread awareness about Gwen, that’s a win for her and her loved ones, and that’s what matters most.We hope you’ll take this opportunity to listen (or re-listen) to our updated and remastered four-part series on the disappearance of Gwen Hasselquist, releasing this weekend. And don’t worry, Part 2 of Lost in the Shadow of the Rockies is still scheduled for release on October 31.Thank you for continuing to support independent podcasts like ours. We truly appreciate every one of you.Original episode summary:In episode 68, we continue our investigation of the suspicious death of Gwen Hasselquist, interviewing Dora, Gwen's stepsister. Dora had recently reconnected with Gwen and was at her house a few hours after she was reported missing and stayed around for the initial days after her death. Join us this week as we learn new details about Gwen's life before she died and what happened in the weeks after her death. Notes on this episode: - We've been informed, after recording this episode, that the automated toll booth cameras only record the license plate, not the person driving. We were also informed that there might not have been video cameras that would have captured someone walking or running off the bridge. Gwen Hasselquist Part 1 - The Original Investigation (Orig. Released 11/8/2021)Gwen Hasselquist Part 2 - The Police Report (Orig. Released 12/27/2021)Gwen Hasselquist Part 3 - Interview with Gwen's Best Friend, Dawn (Orig. Released 07/25/2022)Gwen Hasselquist Part 4 - Interview with Gwen's Step Sister, Dora (Orig. Released 08/22/2022)Learn more about Locations Unknown: https://linktr.ee/LocationsUnknownCheck out our other shows on the Unknown Media Network:Crime Off The GridOff The TrailsThe Weirdos We Know Who Runs This ParkGet 35% of all orders at The Hiker's Cache, the official store of Locations Unknown, by becoming a member on Patreon!Want to help the show out and get even more Locations Unknown content! For as little as $5 a month, you can become a Patron of Locations Unknown and get access to our episodes early, special members only episode, free swag, swag contests, and discounts to our Locations Unknown Store! Become a Patron of the Locations Unknown Podcast by visiting our Patreon page. (https://www.patreon.com/locationsunknown) All our Patreon only content (Audio & Video) can now be accessed via Spotify. (Active subscription to our Patreon channel is required.) -- Locations Unknown Subscriber Only Show | Podcast on Spotify Want to call into the show and leave us a message? Now you can! Call 208-391-6913 and leave Locations Unknown a voice message and we may air it on a future message! View live recordings of the show on our YouTube channel: Locations Unknown - YouTubePresented by Unknown Media Group.Hosts:Mike Van de BogertJoe EratoIntro/Outro “Cornfield Chase” – Cinematic Waves & Rafael Krux (licensed) → https://soundcloud.com/cinematicwav3s/cornfield-chaseDisclaimers:Episode 4 of Locations Unknown’s coverage of the Gwen Hasselquist case features an interview with Gwen’s stepsister, Dora, who shares her personal recollections and opinions about events surrounding Gwen’s 2020 death.Dora’s statements represent her own experiences, memories, and viewpoints. They have not been independently verified by Locations Unknown or any law-enforcement agency.This episode also discusses publicly available materials such as the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department police report and social-media posts made by Erik Hasselquist.All commentary from the hosts and guests reflects opinion and speculation, not verified fact or any accusation of guilt, wrongdoing, or criminal conduct. The intent of this discussion is to raise awareness and encourage further inquiry into an unresolved case—not to allege or imply culpability.If Erik Hasselquist or anyone else directly involved wishes to provide clarification, corrections, or a response, please contact us confidentially at 208-391-6913. We welcome additional context and factual updates to ensure fairness and accuracy. No harm is intended.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/locations-unknown--6183838/support.

With all the buzz surrounding the Gwen Hasselquist case and the upcoming Crime Junkie episode (releasing October 27, 2025), we thought it was the perfect time to re-release our original four-part series on Gwen’s story, first published in 2021. For Gwen’s family, friends, and everyone who cared deeply for her, we’re truly grateful her case is finally receiving the attention it deserves.That said, we need to get something off our chests.We first discovered Gwen’s case in September 2021, when one of our co-hosts happened to meet a lawyer in Chicago who was quietly investigating it on his own time. What he shared shocked us, there was no coverage anywhere. No news articles, no Reddit threads, no social media discussions. Gwen’s story had been completely forgotten.We decided to change that.Over the following years, we poured countless hours into investigating this case, speaking with dozens of people close to Gwen (many of whom still haven’t given permission for their accounts to be made public), filing FOIA requests, and combing through hundreds of pages of messages and correspondence. The result was over six hours of in-depth reporting, released across four episodes between November 2021 and August 2022. To this day, people continue to reach out to us about Gwen’s story.Unfortunately, Crime Junkie has now released an episode claiming they “discovered” and “investigated” the case. That is simply not true. Their work appears to have been directly lifted from our years of research and a Reddit (post), without any acknowledgment or attempt to contact us. Sadly, this behavior is not new for Crime Junkie, which has previously faced plagiarism accusations from several other creators, including On the Case with Paula Zahn, The Trail Went Cold, Trace Evidence, Once Upon a Crime, and Dealing Justice.What’s most disappointing is that we genuinely believe the hosts of Crime Junkie share our ultimate goal, to give Gwen’s story the attention it deserves. We’re not backed by a mega corporation with an army of researchers; we’re an independent show run by two guys with full-time jobs and families who simply love telling meaningful stories.At the end of the day, if their episode helps spread awareness about Gwen, that’s a win for her and her loved ones, and that’s what matters most.We hope you’ll take this opportunity to listen (or re-listen) to our updated and remastered four-part series on the disappearance of Gwen Hasselquist, releasing this weekend. And don’t worry, Part 2 of Lost in the Shadow of the Rockies is still scheduled for release on October 31.Thank you for continuing to support independent podcasts like ours. We truly appreciate every one of you.Original episode summary:In Episode 50, we learned about a suspicious death, a husband who remarried within months, who then fled the country. With very little coverage of the death, and even less information about the events leading up to her death, we submitted FOIA requests to fill in the gaps. Recently, one of our FOIA requests was completed and a 21-page police report on Gwen's death was sent to us. Join us this week as we continue to investigate the death of Gwen Hasselquist. Gwen Hasselquist Part 1 - The Original Investigation (Orig. Released 11/8/2021)Gwen Hasselquist Part 2 - The Police Report (Orig. Released 12/27/2021)Gwen Hasselquist Part 3 - Interview with Gwen's Best Friend, Dawn (Orig. Released 07/25/2022)Gwen Hasselquist Part 4 - Interview with Gwen's Step Sister, Dora (Orig. Released 08/22/2022)Learn more about Locations Unknown: https://linktr.ee/LocationsUnknownCheck out our other shows on the Unknown Media Network:Crime Off The GridOff The TrailsThe Weirdos We Know Who Runs This ParkGet 35% of all orders at The Hiker's Cache, the official store of Locations Unknown, by becoming a member on Patreon!Want to help the show out and get even more Locations Unknown content! For as little as $5 a month, you can become a Patron of Locations Unknown and get access to our episodes early, special members only episode, free swag, swag contests, and discounts to our Locations Unknown Store! Become a Patron of the Locations Unknown Podcast by visiting our Patreon page. (https://www.patreon.com/locationsunknown) All our Patreon only content (Audio & Video) can now be accessed via Spotify. (Active subscription to our Patreon channel is required.) -- Locations Unknown Subscriber Only Show | Podcast on Spotify Want to call into the show and leave us a message? Now you can! Call 208-391-6913 and leave Locations Unknown a voice message and we may air it on a future message! View live recordings of the show on our YouTube channel: Locations Unknown - YouTubePresented by Unknown Media Group.Hosts:Mike Van de BogertJoe EratoIntro/Outro “Cornfield Chase” – Cinematic Waves & Rafael Krux (licensed) → https://soundcloud.com/cinematicwav3s/cornfield-chaseDisclaimers:Episode 2 of Gwen Hasselquist’s story on Locations Unknown explores the suspicious circumstances of her 2020 death, based solely on a public police report from the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department and Erik Hasselquist’s social media posts (e.g., Twitter, Facebook). All statements are our opinions and speculations, not verified facts or accusations of guilt or wrongdoing. We raise questions about timeline gaps to encourage further inquiry, not to assert conclusions. If you have information, corrections, or wish to share anonymously, contact us at 208-391-6913. No harm is intended, and we’re committed to accuracy.This episode discusses timeline inconsistencies, such as Erik’s rapid remarriage and social media activity, as noted in public posts and the police report. These are speculative observations, not claims of fact or wrongdoing. Innocent explanations may exist, and we’re open to clarifications from Erik Hasselquist or others to ensure fairness.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/locations-unknown--6183838/support.

In January 1982, two women vanished just hours apart while hitchhiking from Breckenridge, Colorado, during one of the worst winter storms the Rockies had seen in decades. As temperatures plunged below –20°F, friends and rescuers scoured the frozen corridors of Pike National Forest, finding only scattered clues and a deepening mystery. Join us this week for Part 1 of Lost in the Shadow of the Rockies: The Disappearances of Bobbie Jo Oberholtzer and Annette Schnee.Part 2 will be released on Halloween (10/31/25) Sign up for our Patreon channel to listen to Part 2 early.Learn more about Locations Unknown: https://linktr.ee/LocationsUnknownCheck out our other shows on the Unknown Media Network:Crime Off The GridOff The TrailsThe Weirdos We Know Who Runs This ParkNew Patreon Shoutouts: Krista Anderson, Tessa Simonds, Taylor Hutcheson, Josie Molitor, Eileen ShumanGet 35% of all orders at The Hiker's Cache, the official store of Locations Unknown, by becoming a member on Patreon!Want to help the show out and get even more Locations Unknown content! For as little as $5 a month, you can become a Patron of Locations Unknown and get access to our episodes early, special members only episode, free swag, swag contests, and discounts to our Locations Unknown Store! Become a Patron of the Locations Unknown Podcast by visiting our Patreon page. (https://www.patreon.com/locationsunknown) All our Patreon only content (Audio & Video) can now be accessed via Spotify. (Active subscription to our Patreon channel is required.) -- Locations Unknown Subscriber Only Show | Podcast on Spotify Want to call into the show and leave us a message? Now you can! Call 208-391-6913 and leave Locations Unknown a voice message and we may air it on a future message! View live recordings of the show on our YouTube channel: Locations Unknown - YouTubeView Episode SourcesPresented by Unknown Media Group.Hosts:Mike Van de BogertJoe EratoIntro/Outro “Cornfield Chase” – Cinematic Waves & Rafael Krux (licensed) → https://soundcloud.com/cinematicwav3s/cornfield-chaseBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/locations-unknown--6183838/support.

In 2019, Locations Unknown covered a young photographer bound for winter shots at Crater Lake National Park. The case spawned wild theories, unsubstantiated lore, and even an episode of The UnXplained with William Shatner. This week, we return with new FBI releases to separate myth from record. We revisit his route near Stump Lake, the Bybee Creek discovery, and the brutal winter terrain that shaped his fate. Join us this week as we reinvestigate the case of Charles McCullar with fresh evidence and new theories.Learn more about Locations Unknown: https://linktr.ee/LocationsUnknownCheck out our other shows on the Unknown Media Network:Crime Off The GridOff The TrailsThe Weirdos We Know Who Runs This ParkNew Patreon Shoutouts: Rachel Jones, Rebecca Rhea, & Simon VauxEpisode suggestion shoutout: Stevey Smith Get 35% of all orders at The Hiker's Cache, the official store of Locations Unknown, by becoming a member on Patreon!Want to help the show out and get even more Locations Unknown content! For as little as $5 a month, you can become a Patron of Locations Unknown and get access to our episodes early, special members only episode, free swag, swag contests, and discounts to our Locations Unknown Store! Become a Patron of the Locations Unknown Podcast by visiting our Patreon page. (https://www.patreon.com/locationsunknown) All our Patreon only content (Audio & Video) can now be accessed via Spotify. (Active subscription to our Patreon channel is required.) -- Locations Unknown Subscriber Only Show | Podcast on Spotify Want to call into the show and leave us a message? Now you can! Call 208-391-6913 and leave Locations Unknown a voice message and we may air it on a future message! View live recordings of the show on our YouTube channel: Locations Unknown - YouTubeView Episode SourcesPresented by Unknown Media Group.Hosts:Mike Van de BogertJoe EratoIntro/Outro “Cornfield Chase” – Cinematic Waves & Rafael Krux (licensed) → https://soundcloud.com/cinematicwav3s/cornfield-chaseBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/locations-unknown--6183838/support.

We’ve got a special episode for you this week! Joe and I recently joined the podcast Crime Off the Grid to dive into three fascinating cases alongside two former law enforcement park rangers. Since we’re out of the office, we’re excited to share their episode—ad free—right here on our feed in case you missed it. We hope you enjoy!Episode summary from Crime off the Grid:This week, we’re joined by the hosts of the Locations Unknown Podcast, Joe and Mike, as our special guests on Crime Off the Grid. Together we dig into the darker side of the outdoors—where disappearances and true crime quite possibly collide. You won’t want to miss this crossover conversation!Support the show!For bonus content join our Patreon!patreon.com/CrimeOfftheGridFor a one time donation:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/cotgFor more information about the podcast, check outhttps://crimeoffthegrid.com/Check out our Merch!! https://in-wild-places.square.site/s/shopFollow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/crimeoffthegridpodcast/ and (1) FacebookBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/locations-unknown--6183838/support.

September 17th, 2024 a young adventurer embarked on a solo seven-day trek through rugged, isolated terrain fraught with grizzlies, sudden storms, and treacherous cliffs. Amid fog, sleet, and howling winds, he reached the summit of Eagle Peak, leaving a chilling note about his ordeal before vanishing without a trace. Join us this week as we investigate the disappearance of Austin King-Henke in Yellowstone National Park.Learn more about Locations Unknown: https://linktr.ee/LocationsUnknownHelicopter Support for Austin King Search - Go Fund MeCheck out our other shows on the Unknown Media Network:Crime Off The GridOff The TrailsThe Peanut Butter and Mountains PodcastThe Weirdos We Know Who Runs This ParkNew Patreon Shoutouts: Cody Board, Nicole Clute, Mikes Mom, Dhani Calazza, Traci Carnoali, & Kate Kubiak.Get 35% of all orders at The Hiker's Cache, the official store of Locations Unknown, by becoming a member on Patreon!Want to help the show out and get even more Locations Unknown content! For as little as $5 a month, you can become a Patron of Locations Unknown and get access to our episodes early, special members only episode, free swag, swag contests, and discounts to our Locations Unknown Store! Become a Patron of the Locations Unknown Podcast by visiting our Patreon page. (https://www.patreon.com/locationsunknown) All our Patreon only content (Audio & Video) can now be accessed via Spotify. (Active subscription to our Patreon channel is required.) -- Locations Unknown Subscriber Only Show | Podcast on Spotify Want to call into the show and leave us a message? Now you can! Call 208-391-6913 and leave Locations Unknown a voice message and we may air it on a future message! View live recordings of the show on our YouTube channel: Locations Unknown - YouTubeView Episode SourcesPresented by Unknown Media Group.Hosts: Mike Van de Bogert & Joe EratoIntro/Outro “Cornfield Chase” – Cinematic Waves & Rafael Krux (licensed) → https://soundcloud.com/cinematicwav3s/cornfield-chaseBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/locations-unknown--6183838/support.