Tom Messick was an 82-year-old retired correctional officer, U.S. Army veteran, and experienced outdoorsman when he disappeared while hunting in the Adirondack Mountains near Brant Lake, New York. On November 15, 2015, Tom joined a group of family members and friends for the opening weekend of deer season on private property that bordered the vast forests of the Lake George Wild Forest.

That afternoon, the hunting party used a common hunting method known as a "drive." Several hunters walked through the woods to push deer toward other hunters who were stationed in fixed locations. Tom was assigned to sit along an old logging road and wait for deer to come his way. He was carrying his rifle and using a walkie-talkie to stay in contact with the rest of the group. According to the other hunters, Tom was in position shortly after noon and was expected to remain there until the drive was complete.

When the drive ended, the other hunters returned to their assigned locations to regroup. Tom was no longer at his post. His rifle, backpack, and walkie-talkie were also gone. Family members initially believed he may have walked back toward camp, but when he failed to return, they contacted authorities.

An extensive search began almost immediately. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, New York State Police, local fire departments, forest rangers, search-and-rescue teams, tracking dogs, helicopters, drones, and hundreds of volunteers searched thousands of acres of rugged wilderness. Investigators also reviewed cellphone data, interviewed everyone involved in the hunt, and searched nearby roads and waterways. Despite weeks of searching, no trace of Tom, his clothing, his rifle, or any of his personal belongings was ever found.

Investigators considered the possibility that Tom became lost or suffered a medical emergency, but many involved in the case questioned those theories because of his experience in the woods and because no evidence was found despite the extensive search. Authorities have stated that they found no signs of an animal attack or accidental fall, and there has been no evidence confirming foul play. Several theories have circulated publicly over the years, but none have been substantiated by investigators.

Tom's disappearance remains one of New York's most puzzling missing persons cases. His family has continued to search for answers and has repeatedly asked anyone with information to come forward. More than a decade later, no confirmed evidence has been discovered to explain what happened after he was last seen sitting at his assigned hunting location on November 15, 2015.

Anyone with information about Tom Messick's disappearance is encouraged to contact the New York State Police Troop G at (518) 457-6811.