The Civil Guard has located a man in a town in Navarre who disappeared more than 21 years ago from Bilbao and left behind his wife, children, and siblings, who took six years to sound the alarm. The man disappeared without a trace in 2003, but his family did not report his disappearance until 2009, by which time he had already started a new life with a family of traveling carnival workers, with whom he has been traveling the country since 2007. Despite being found, he has not wanted to contact his family and has given permission for the Civil Guard to inform a sister that he is alive and little else. The man’s identity has not been revealed, only that he was found in Caparroso, Navarre, a small town of about 3,000 inhabitants.
The first report of his disappearance was made in Barakaldo in 2009, stating that the last contact with the missing man was on January 1, 2003, and that he may have been living on the streets in the neighborhood of Zorrotza in Bilbao. Further investigations included taking DNA samples to check against deceased individuals, but without success. However, a bank account in Caparroso where his pension was being deposited was discovered, along with withdrawals being made in cash at the beginning of each month. The man was found in perfect health on March 19 and informed that his family wanted to contact him. He mentioned that he resides with the carnival family and has been traveling with them since 2007.
Due to the man being an adult and his disappearance being voluntary, he has the final say in whether he wants to inform his family of his whereabouts. The Civil Guard notified his sister of his appearance on March 20. The investigation was solely focused on locating him, with the goal being to inform the family of his location if he allowed it. The judicial authorities were informed of the exact location, ending the police search and any related legal procedures unless there was evidence of criminal activity.
The man’s decision to disconnect from his family and start a new life with a traveling carnival group has raised questions and drawn attention to the impact of his disappearance on his loved ones. The case highlights the complexities of long-term disappearances and the emotional toll it can take on those left behind. The family’s delayed report of the disappearance also adds to the mystery surrounding the case and raises further questions about the dynamics within the family. The man’s choice to remain disconnected from his family despite being located compounds the emotional distress on both sides.
The Civil Guard’s efforts to locate the missing man after more than two decades demonstrate their commitment to resolving long-standing cases and providing closure for affected families. The fact that the man was found alive and in good health adds a twist to the story and opens up new possibilities for reconciliation or closure for his family. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of communication and maintaining relationships with loved ones, as well as the impact of long-term disappearances on families and communities. Ultimately, it highlights the complexity of human relationships and the difficulties of dealing with unexpected life changes.
