It’s been almost 20 years and we’re all still in the dark regarding the mysterious disappearance of former child actor Joe Pichler.
Appearing in a string of movies and TV shows throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s, Pichler had cultivated a promising list of screen credits.
He’d appeared in some popular TV shows, including the Superman spin-off series Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman and some big feature film family sequels.
Then, one day in early January 2006, he suddenly disappeared without a trace - and he’s been missing ever since.
It’s a story that has baffled those who have investigated it in the years since the incident took place.
At just 18-years-old, Pichler had seemingly vanished, with no obvious clues regarding his whereabouts or fate.
All that was left behind were some cryptic notes and reports of his last known phone call, neither of which have helped friends, families or authorities gain any additional clarity on what exactly happened to the young star.
Two decades later, the incident still haunts those closest to him.
Plus, in an age obsessed with true crime stories and mysterious tales of foul play, Pichler’s story couldn’t be more relevant.
Who is actor Joe Pichler?
You’d be forgiven for not recognizing the name.
After all, Pichler’s career was only just getting started when it came to a sudden and suspicious halt.
Pichler was born in February 1987 and Bremerton, Washington, and later relocated with his family to Los Angeles in order to chase a career in movies and TV.
It didn't take long for him to experience some success too.
His first acting role was in the 1996 sitcom In The House, a comedy series that co-starred The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air's Alfonso Ribeiro.
A stint on Lois & Clark followed later that same year, eventually giving way to movie roles in family sequels released throughout the late 1990s.
In 1999, Pichler starred in the coming-of-age drama Varsity Blues, a film that also starred the likes of James Van Der Beek, Jon Voight and the late Fast and the Furious actor Paul Walker.
Pichler then appeared in a number of dog-focused features, including Shiloh 2: Shiloh Season, Beethoven's 3rd, and its follow-up Beethoven's 4th.
These last two credits were perhaps his most high-profile and were sequels to the popular Beethoven series following a wild and adventurous St. Bernard dog.
His last screen credit was the 2002 comedy-drama Children on Their Birthdays, a feature film released four years before his disappearance.
From here, he took a brief break from acting and returned to his hometown of Bremerton in 2003. While reports suggest he was initially reluctant to do this, Pichler continued to graduate Hugh school and started making plans for a return to Los Angles so he could continue his acting career.
What happened to actor Joe Pichler?
Pichler disappeared without warning on 5 January 2006. He was 18-years-old.
He was last heard from earlier the same day, speaking to friends on the phone at around 4.15am.
There are conflicting reports about his well being at this time.
One report suggests he was in "good spirits" with nothing to suggest that anything was bothering him.
However, other outlets have suggested he was drinking alcohol and "inconsolable" during this phone call.
Pichler's car - a silver 2005 Toyota Corolla - was found vacant on the intersection of Wheaton Way and Sheridan Road in Bremerton a few days later on 9 January 2006.
According to reports, his apartment was left unlocked with all of the lights on - both of which were deemed to be "uncharacteristic".
Poetry was later discovered inside his car which suggested he hoped to be a "stronger brother" for his younger sibling.
The prose also requested that his belongings be given to this same family member.
Despite these instructions, police didn't deem these writings to be a suicide note, and there was no concrete evidence to suggest Pichler took his own life.
While suicide is the leading theory surrounding his disappearance, search dogs were unable to find any trace of him around the nearby Port Madison Narrows bridge.
In addition, his family did not indicate that he was feeling depressed.
Speaking to the Kitsap Sun shortly after his disappearance, his sister Shawna suggested that it could be "foul play" and "not suicide."
His brother echoed these thoughts, theorising that Joe's poetry and notes were his way of saying he wanted to "start over."
His mother also seemed to rule out suicide, pointing out that there was "no goodbye."
20 years later, no further sightings of Pichler have emerged and the actor remains missing.
Those with information or insight regarding his whereabouts are encouraged to contact the authorities.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org.