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'Survivor' star 'wanted by the FBI' after vanishing with her son as husband gives worrying update
Over a month after former Survivor: China contestant Jaime Dugan, 41, vanished with her 16-year-old son, Harper Huffman, the FBI has been investigating the teen’s disappearance.
After failing to return to his father, Erik Huffman, a fellow former Survivor: China contestant, following a weekend visit on August 30, the high schooler’s father has publicly pleaded for his safe return.
The couple's son could be in danger
Harper has been described as “missing and endangered” by Spartanburg County Family Court Judge M. Todd Thigpen. The law enforcer also urged police to take Jamie into custody following her “immediate arrest”.
According to the Daily Mail, the family court held Jamie in direct contempt after she kept Harper from his father and missed later court dates.
Speaking to the newspaper, Erik claims he “fears” for his son’s safety, saying: “Harper’s safety and wellbeing is my top priority right now, and getting him back safely is extremely important.”
Following a messy public divorce in 2024, Erik was granted full custody of Harper. The eight-day divorce trial ruled Jamie was only allowed alternating weekend visits.
The missing minor’s father claimed that since his son came into his care full time, the pair have had “such a good relationship”.
Erik added: “He was really coming into his own and had a very stable life with me. I hate that he’s been ripped away.”
Despite the messy breakup, the father remains adamant that he wanted his son to have a healthy relationship with his mom.
He said: “Throughout my separation and divorce, I’ve desired for Harper to have a relationship with his mother.”
Nevertheless, Erik is now determined to get his son back as he is concerned for his son’s safety. He said: “I truly am concerned about her mental stability and his safety. I feel like I’ve been working night and day on this.
“I’ve made it my own investigation to try to get answers, driving across South Carolina, speaking to various law enforcement. It’s been a logistical nightmare. It’s been stressful and it’s been tough. I’m very worried about my son.”
The missing teen's mother allegedly feared he was being abused
While there is no evidence as to why Jamie has disappeared with her son, in the past she has accused Erik of physical abuse and Harper’s paternal grandmother of sexual abuse, reporting both to several law enforcement agencies and the Department of Social Services.
However, she refused to cooperate or make Harper available when investigators attempted to interview him about the grave allegations.
The judge later described the allegations as unfounded and ruled they were no excuse for defying custody orders.