Left and Right: Terry, circa 1980
Vital Statistics at Time of Disappearance
Missing Since: December 5, 1980
Missing From: Flint, Genesee County, Michigan
Classification: Endangered Missing
Date Of Birth: May 6, 1966
Age: 14 years old
Height and Weight: 5’9″ and 130-135 pounds
Distinguishing Characteristics: White Male, Blonde hair, Blue eyes, Terry is epileptic and did not have his medication with him when he disappeared, he has a scar on his chin
Clothing/Jewelry Description: A dark blue hooded sweatshirt
Details of Disappearance
Terry was last seen in Flint, Michigan on December 5th 1980. He left Holmes Junior High School where he was an eighth grade student to walk back home but he never made it. No one has seen or heard from him since.
Police initially believed he ran away from home. Some relatives reported seeing him on the east side of Flint on New Year’s Eve 1980 but this sighting hasn’t been confirmed. There’s no evidence that he met with foul play that afternoon but it can’t be ruled out due to lack of evidence.
It’s also possible Thompson drowned in Flint Park Lake. Locals call this lake “Devils Lake” and it’s notorious for drownings. The lake is three minutes away from where he lived at the time, he passed it everyday while walking to and from school. After his disappearance, footprints were found leading to the lake and around a hole in the ice but none were found leading away.
Police and divers searched the lake for Terry’s body but were unable to find him or any evidence he had drowned there. Others have drowned in the lake before and after Thompson’s disappearance. Most of the time, the bodies eventually surface. Theres no evidence the footprints found were Terry’s but he was known to spend time at the lake previously.
At the time of his disappearance, Terry lived with his parents and siblings in a house at 606 West Flint Park Boulevard. His father passed away in 1994, in his obituary he listed Terry as surviving him. His mother and others relatives have also passed away in the years since he vanished. Terry’s siblings and surviving relatives would like to know what happened to him in 1980.
Terry’s case remains unsolved. Law enforcement is not currently investigating his case.
Investigating Agency
If you have any information concerning this case, please contact:
Flint Police Department 810-237-6800
Source Information
Family Member